Actor Colin Salmon Fined for Speeding on Old Oak Road
Bond Movie and EastEnders star avoids driving ban after plea to magistrates
Colin Salmon gave up his film career to help care for his family. Picture: BBC
Actor Colin Salmon, known for his roles in EastEnders and the James Bond films, has been fined for speeding after being caught driving at 24mph in a 20mph zone at 7.17am on 31 March.
According to reporting by the Daily Mail, the offence took place on Old Oak Road, close to the actor’s home in Shepherd’s Bush. The road is a residential route subject to a reduced speed limit.
Salmon, 64, appeared at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to the offence. The court heard that he had been driving while caring for his seriously ill wife, Fiona Hawthorne and daughter Sasha, circumstances which were raised in mitigation.
The Daily Mail reported that Mr Salmon became emotional in court as his personal circumstances were discussed, with his defence explaining that he had taken on significant caring responsibilities at home.
He told the court, 'Having the car means I can get back to Fiona easily from the studio in Borehamwood.
'I have a big mortgage and two adult children that live with me.'
He added that keeping his licence would enable his charity work to continue. As well as running a steel drum band which assists older performers and isolated women he is also a King's Trust ambassador and plays cricket for the Lord's Taverners, another charitable organisation
He already had nine points on his licence after a previous speeding offence, for jumping a red light and driving without due care and attention all since April 2023.
Drivers who reach 12 or more penalty points within three years face a mandatory “totting-up” disqualification and the usual ban is at least six months. This is automatic unless the court accepts an “exceptional hardship” argument.
Bench chairman Mark Stollery is quoted as saying, 'We note you are the main breadwinner and carer for your family and within the family, members have life-limiting conditions, including your wife and children, who all have varying medical conditions.'
The magistrates accepted that this applied to Mr Salmon and they fined the actor £666 and imposed three penalty points on his driving licence. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge and costs.
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