Gareth Gates banned from driving after being issued four separate speeding offences

GMB's Ed Ball gets emotional speaking to Gareth Gates

Gareth Gates, the talented singer who gained fame as a runner-up on the first series of Pop Idol in 2002, recently found himself in legal trouble after being caught by a speed camera.

He was clocked driving at 62mph in a 50mph zone on the busy M4 motorway in South Wales. The 40-year-old star was originally set to appear before Cardiff Magistrates Court to address the charge but opted instead to send an email requesting that his case be resolved without his physical presence.

On April 6, Gates pleaded guilty to the speeding offense while driving his sleek, three-year-old black Range Rover Sport through Port Talbot.

Despite his guilty plea, the singer intends to contest the subsequent driving ban, arguing that it would lead to "exceptional hardship" for him.

The implications of this situation could significantly impact his daily life and career.

Gareth has been banned from driving (Image: Getty)

Judge Murphy remarked during the court proceedings, "Mr. Gates has gathered a total of nine points on his driving license as a result of three separate speeding offenses. Consequently, he will face a disqualification from driving for a period of six months."

Gareth, a resident of Keighley in Bradford, was initially fined £230 for his infractions. However, due to his guilty plea, the court decided to reduce the fine to £153.

The singer was apprehended by a well-known automatic speed camera located on the Pentyla Seaway Parade Bridge, which is situated near Junction 41 of the M4 motorway. This specific camera is notorious for capturing speeding violations.

Moreover, Gareth has a documented history of speeding as he travels to various personal engagements and charity events throughout the UK, reflecting a pattern of behavior that has raised concerns regarding his driving habits.

Gareth was caught speeding in South Wales (Image: Getty)

In 2017, he faced the serious possibility of losing his driving license after accumulating 12 penalty points due to four separate speeding offences.

His final infraction occurred close to his residence in Bradford, where police apprehended him for driving at a speed of 47 miles per hour in a 30 miles per hour zone while operating his Range Rover.

During the proceedings, he presented his case to the magistrates, arguing that a driving ban would not only bring about a significant financial burden on others who depended on him but would also severely hinder his ability to meet various professional, personal, and charitable commitments.

The court was made aware of his unique circumstances, describing him as a "one-man band". This referred to his role as a solo performer who relied on his vehicle to transport a wide array of equipment essential for his engagements.

He said that his Range Rover was often loaded to capacity with musical instruments, clothing, and performance outfits, emphasising the critical role he played in his own career and the communities he served through his charitable endeavours.

During that particular incident, he faced a significant financial penalty amounting to £1,493. Meanwhile, three disheartened fans made their way to Cardiff Magistrates Court, eagerly hoping to catch a glimpse of their beloved Pop Idol favourite.

Their excitement was evident as they arrived, despite the disappointment of not being able to see him in person.