Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau has narrowly avoided a driving ban after a UK court accepted that penalising him would cause 'exceptional hardship' to his family.
The actor, best known for his role as Jaime Lannister in the hit HBO series, was caught exceeding the speed limit while driving his BMW. However, instead of facing a disqualification from driving, he was handed additional penalty points and a significant fine.
The Court's Decision
Appearing at a magistrates' court, Coster-Waldau's legal team successfully argued that a driving ban would disproportionately affect his American wife, actress Nukâka Coster-Waldau. The court heard that she does not hold a UK driving licence and relies on her husband for transport.
The magistrates deemed this situation to constitute 'exceptional hardship', a legal threshold that can allow drivers to avoid a ban even when they reach or exceed 12 penalty points on their licence.
Financial Penalty Imposed
While the actor escaped a ban, the court did not let the offence go unpunished. Coster-Waldau was ordered to pay a substantial fine based on his income, alongside court costs and a victim surcharge. The total financial penalty ran into thousands of pounds.
The ruling highlights the discretion available to courts in traffic offence cases, particularly when the consequences of a ban extend beyond the offending driver.
Public Figure, Public Scrutiny
The case has attracted significant attention due to Coster-Waldau's celebrity status. His portrayal of the charismatic and complex Kingslayer in Game of Thrones made him a household name worldwide.
This incident serves as a reminder that UK motoring laws apply equally to all drivers, regardless of their profile, though the personal circumstances of each case are carefully considered by the judiciary.
