News

Gareth Gates appears in court charged with fourth speeding offence

The star asked the judge for leniency

Gareth Gates has narrowly avoided a driving ban after being caught speeding earlier this year.

The singer was caught doing 47mph in a 30mph zone.

Now the 32-year-old has appeared in court and was let off a driving ban after appealing to the judge.

Read more: Chanelle Hayes admits she’s “absolutely miserable” during this pregnancy

The star was given £1,493 fine and five points on his licence – £1,280 in direct fine and a surcharge of £128 with £85 prosecution costs.

This is the fourth speeding charge for the star.

The pop star was pulled over by police on January 22 as he drove through Bradford in his Range Rover at 17mph over the limit.

Gareth apparently told the courts a driving ban would have a huge impact on his career and family.

He reportedly told the judge it would result in financial loss as well as professional, personal and charity commitments.

His solicitor Ashfaq Chowdhury told the courts that Gareth “needs to be on the road”.

He went on to explain that Gareth had “many imminent bookings” and a ban would result in him “breaching contracts”.

Magistrate Yunus Mayat told the former Pop Idol star: “We do find exceptional hardship, not on yourself, but on other parties.

“Your family and ex-wife and child would suffer exceptional hardship if you had to look for alternative transport arrangements.

“You are a role model to a lot of people and driving at this sort of speed doesn’t help.”

Gareth is currently dating Corrie’s Faye Brookes and has a daughter, Missy, from a past relationship.

Read more: Marvin Humes shares rare photo of daughter Alaia-Mai

Gareth and Faye, 29, have recently opened up about the possibility of getting married and having children.

They have revealed they “definitely want to get married and have babies”.

A romantic trip to Paris appears to have made them think about the future.

The loved-up couple revealed all about their blossoming romance to OK! magazine.

Corrie star Faye said: “Gareth’s Valentine’s card made me cry like a baby as he wrote some beautiful words in it about how much he loves me.

“Gareth’s the one person I let my hair down with as I like to be in control, and I’m the one who keeps him in check.

While discussing marriage plans, Gareth said: “When I do ask Faye to marry me, it’ll be a huge surprise to her.

“I know Faye likes surprises, so I probably wouldn’t do it at a time she’s expecting it!”

The couple first met as part of the cast of Legally Blonde the musical back in 2012 after both landing leading roles.

Faye explained how Gareth’s sisters have just had babies and it is making them feel a little broody.

She said: “We’re definitely going to get married and have babies, we’re just not quite there yet.”


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)

Related Topics