Television presenter Kirsty Gallacher broke down in tears as she pleaded with a magistrate's court to avoid a driving ban, emotionally describing herself as 'broken'. The case proceeded, resulting in the loss of her licence.
Mitigating Circumstances and a Plea for Leniency
The court heard that the 49-year-old sports broadcaster was caught speeding at 35mph in a 30mph zone in Maiden's Green, Berkshire. The offence occurred on April 1, shortly after 8am, while she was driving her 2020 plate Mercedes.
Gallacher, who already had nine points on her licence, made an application to avoid a further ban due to exceptional hardship. She explained to the court that she is the sole carer and financial provider for her two children, aged 18 and 15.
"We live in the middle of the countryside. We're in the middle of nowhere," she stated. "I take my son to school every morning. I enjoy doing that. Public transport is not a feasible option."
A Recent Attack and Shattered Confidence
Adding to her distress, Gallacher revealed she was the victim of a frightening incident just two weeks prior to the court appearance. She told the magistrates that police believe the assault in Central London was a 'targeted attack'.
This traumatic event was cited as a key reason for her inability to use public transport, with the star confessing she now has "no confidence" to travel by those means. The combination of her remote living situation, parental responsibilities, and the recent attack formed the cornerstone of her emotional appeal to the court.
The Outcome and Its Implications
Despite her heartfelt plea and the difficult circumstances outlined, the magistrates proceeded with the driving ban. The decision leaves the family facing significant logistical challenges, with Gallacher emphasising her critical role in ferrying her family around from their isolated home.
The case highlights the personal struggles that can lie behind legal proceedings, even for well-known public figures.
