Britpop icon Richard Ashcroft has been handed a six-month driving disqualification and ordered to pay a significant financial penalty after being caught speeding on a major London motorway.
Court Hearing and Guilty Plea
The former Verve frontman, 54-year-old Richard Ashcroft, pleaded guilty to a single speeding charge at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court. The court heard that the musician was recorded driving at 48mph in a 40mph zone on the M4 in Brentford, west London. The offence occurred on 19 February last year.
Ashcroft did not attend the hearing in person, but his legal team entered the guilty plea on his behalf. District Judge Daniel Benjamin presided over the case, delivering a stern verdict on Wednesday, 7 January 2026.
Previous Points Lead to Immediate Ban
The six-month driving ban was triggered because Ashcroft already had nine penalty points on his licence from three previous speeding offences. Under the UK's 'totting-up' rules, accumulating 12 or more points within a three-year period typically results in a disqualification.
In addition to the ban, the court ordered Ashcroft to pay nearly £3,000 in fines and costs. Judge Benjamin was explicit in his criticism, stating that Ashcroft had put other road users at a 'risk of harm' and committed the offence 'without any intention of abiding by the speed limit'.
Career Context and Public Reaction
The driving ban comes at a notable time for the musician, who was recently announced as the support act for the highly anticipated Oasis reunion tour. The news has sparked discussion among fans and road safety advocates alike, highlighting the consequences of repeated traffic violations.
This case serves as a high-profile reminder of the legal and personal ramifications of speeding, even for a figure as celebrated in British music as Richard Ashcroft. The court's decision underscores that previous offences are heavily considered in sentencing, leading to more severe penalties for repeat transgressors.
