Paul Hollywood, the Great British Bake Off judge, was convicted for speeding at nearly 100mph while rushing his sick cat to the vet, a court heard. The 60-year-old TV chef was pulled over by police after tailgating cars on the M25 to 'bully' them out of the fast lane during his emergency journey.
Speeding Incident Details
A Surrey Police officer said Hollywood's Land Rover Defender was clocked at 96mph, but he is believed to have reached speeds of over 105mph on the M26. After being stopped, Hollywood blamed his behavior on the need to get his unwell cat to the vet for treatment.
At Worthing Magistrates' Court last week, Hollywood pleaded guilty to speeding and was sentenced to five penalty points on his licence, a £293 fine, £120 in costs, and a £117 victim surcharge. A second charge of driving without due care and attention was dropped after his lawyers intervened.
Police Account
PC Alexander McAlpine, from Surrey Police, followed Hollywood in an unmarked car and reported seeing the vehicle repeatedly 'bully' other vehicles out of its way through unsafe tailgating. He stated that Hollywood would close up to a follow distance of less than five metres, then accelerate heavily once the vehicle moved aside.
On the M26, Hollywood reached a peak speed of around 105mph, with general speeds above 90mph for an extended period. The officer noted that the road was damp and traffic was heavy.
Hollywood, a motoring enthusiast who has competed in professional races for Aston Martin, previously admitted to speeding, calling it his 'most unappealing habit.' He recalled that fellow Bake Off judge Mary Berry once hit him with her handbag for driving too fast.
Court papers show Hollywood had no prior penalty points. He pleaded guilty in writing and was sentenced in a private hearing. The charge of driving without due care and attention was withdrawn by police.
