Comedian Dawn French has been banned from driving for six months after picking up her fourth speeding offence in three years, a punishment that pushed her licence points total to 12. The 68-year-old, best known for The Vicar of Dibley and her double act with Jennifer Saunders, was caught driving her Mini Clubman Cooper S Sport at 36mph in a 30mph zone in Plymouth in June last year, triggering an automatic disqualification under the totting-up rules.

Plymouth Magistrates' Court heard French already had nine penalty points before the offence, with District Judge Stuart Smith adding three more after ruling the case fell into "the lowest subcategory" of speeding guidelines. French, who did not attend and pleaded guilty online, was also fined £600 plus a £240 victim surcharge and £90 costs, reflecting weekly earnings of over £2,000. Her solicitor said she was remorseful and accepted the ban, which follows previous speeding incidents in June 2025, July 2024 and June 2023.