Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has avoided a driving ban after admitting to speeding in his Porsche, telling magistrates it would jeopardise his US road trip TV show. The 45-year-old BBC2 Food and Drink host was caught doing 47mph in a 40mph zone on the M4 near Brentford, West London.
At Lavender Hill magistrates' court, Kerridge pleaded guilty to the offence, bringing his total penalty points to 12 for four speeding incidents since August 2016. He faced a potential ban under the totting-up procedure.
Kerridge told the court that a driving ban would prevent him from filming his upcoming US road trip series, as he needs to drive himself. His lawyer, Benjamin Waidhofer, argued that disqualification would 'practically destroy' the production, which has strict deadlines.
The chef also stated he requires his car to run his food empire, which includes two Michelin-starred gastropubs in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, and to take his son to weekend football practice. Magistrates concluded a ban would cause 'exceptional hardship'.
Kerridge was fined £500, plus a £50 victim surcharge and £65 prosecution costs. He was not disqualified from driving.
