Jesse Wood, the son of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, has revealed he is unemployed and surviving on just £1,000 a month from his savings, a fact disclosed during a court appearance for a speeding offence.
Court appearance reveals financial strain
The 49-year-old musician appeared at Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to driving at 27mph in a 20mph zone on the A4 Cromwell Road in Earls Court, west London, on April 7 last year. The court heard this was his fourth speeding offence within a short period, putting him at risk of an automatic driving ban.
Representing himself, Wood gave the justices a stark insight into his personal finances. He stated that since his split from TV presenter Fearne Cotton 13 months ago in December 2024, he has struggled to find paid work. "I was due to be employed in 2024 but it got delayed," he told the court. "At the moment I'm living off my savings and I am looking to get employment."
When questioned about his income, Wood confirmed his last tax return showed earnings of around £14,000, leaving him with a monthly budget of approximately £1,000.
A life of contrast: Family wealth and personal struggle
The financial disclosure presents a sharp contrast to Wood's family background. His father, Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood, has an estimated fortune of £100 million. Jesse himself lives in a £3 million townhouse in Richmond, south-west London.
Wood, a sometime guitarist for the rock band Reef, shares four children—two with ex-wife Fearne Cotton and two from a previous relationship. Despite following his father's career path into music, he has not achieved the same level of financial success.
The court was informed he already had nine penalty points on his licence from three previous speeding offences in June 2024, September 2024, and August 2025.
Sentencing and personal life updates
Despite his plea regarding his financial situation, magistrates imposed a six-month driving ban. The three new penalty points triggered the automatic ban due to his existing tally. He was also ordered to pay £255 in fines and costs.
Sentencing magistrate Richard Sanden explained the fine was reduced from £134 to £89 due to his guilty plea, with additional costs making up the total.
On a personal note, Wood is now in a relationship with former Made in Chelsea star Gemma Gregory, 39. Meanwhile, Fearne Cotton has previously described their split as "amicable," stating she is in a "very good place" during an interview on ITV's Lorraine.
Wood formally pleaded guilty to exceeding the 20mph speed limit and apologised to the court, saying, "I would like to say I accept responsibility for what I have done."
