Former This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby has reportedly taken steps to sell the car she was driving during a serious collision earlier this year, a crash which left a motor scooter rider with a fractured neck.
Guilty Plea and Court Outcome
Willoughby, 44, recently pleaded guilty to a charge of driving without due care and attention in connection with the August incident. The hearing was held at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court in London, where the TV personality, referred to in documents by her married name Holly Baldwin, entered her plea via post.
Her legal representative, Aisling Byrnes, told the court Willoughby had experienced a "momentary lapse of judgement." Byrnes stated that Willoughby was "extremely remorseful," having immediately gone to assist the rider, offering water and her phone, and remaining at the scene until police arrived.
The court was shown footage of the collision, which occurred near Willoughby's £3 million family home. It depicted her black Mini Cooper, valued at around £25,000, turning right into a side street without indicating and colliding with an oncoming white Piaggio scooter.
Victim's Injuries and Willoughby's Decision to Sell
The rider, who has not been publicly named, was thrown from his vehicle. He sustained significant injuries, including a fractured vertebra in his neck and a broken toe.
As a result of her guilty plea, Willoughby received a fine of £2,444, which included costs, and was given six penalty points on her driving licence.
In the wake of the legal proceedings, Willoughby has now decided to part with the vehicle involved. A source told The Sun that she has enlisted a car dealer to help sell the Mini Cooper as swiftly as possible.
"She wants to get rid of the Mini now and has got a dealer to come and sell it for her," the source said. "The faster she can get it off her drive and gone for good the better. Holly wants a fresh start and doesn’t feel right driving the car again after what has happened. It really has shaken her up."
It is estimated the car could sell for up to £13,000.
Context and Recent History
This incident follows a period of significant personal and professional challenge for the presenter. Willoughby left her role on ITV's This Morning in 2023, shortly after a security scare involving a man named Gavin Plumb, who was later convicted of plotting to kidnap, rape and murder her.
At the time of her departure, she stated her decision was made for the sake of her family. The recent traffic incident and its aftermath represent a further difficult chapter for the well-known television figure.
