UPDATE: New reports confirm that TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher lives just a 15-minute walk from a bus stop, contradicting her claims while appealing a driving ban. The £1.5 million rural home in Bracknell, Berkshire, highlights a significant discrepancy in her argument that public transport is unreliable and unaffordable.
Earlier today, Gallacher appeared at High Wycombe magistrates’ court, where she was banned from driving for six months after being caught speeding at 35mph in a 30mph zone. Her plea for leniency, citing financial struggles and health issues, was dismissed by the judge, who noted her considerable income of £150,000 per year and £80,000 in savings.
Gallacher, 49, described herself as “broken” after the ruling, emphasizing her role as the sole provider for her two teenage sons and her need for transportation to medical appointments related to a benign brain tumour. Despite her claims of financial hardship, evidence reveals that her home is located just a mile from a bus stop with regular services to nearby train stations, allowing access to London.
Developing: The court heard that Gallacher’s home, a charming barn conversion, is well-positioned for transport links, including a bus service that reaches train stations in over 20 minutes. The nearest station, Maidenhead, offers direct trains to London Paddington in as little as 17 minutes with tickets costing around £16.40.
In her emotional appeal, Gallacher recounted her struggles, stating, “I’m just an ordinary mum with plates spinning.” She expressed concern for her son’s transportation to school and extracurricular activities, including golf, a sport influenced by her father, retired professional golfer Bernard Gallacher.
The judge, District Judge Arvind Sharma, acknowledged the challenges Gallacher would face without a license but ultimately ruled against her appeal. He stated, “I accept that things will be harder for you, but those are all manageable.”
Gallacher’s legal troubles are not new; she was previously banned from driving for two years in September 2017 due to a drink-driving incident. The presenter has faced criticism for her current predicament, particularly given her public persona and financial status.
Adding to her turmoil, Gallacher recently revealed that she was a victim of a targeted street attack in London, which further compounded her emotional distress. She shared her experience of the assault on social media, highlighting the increasing dangers women face in urban areas.
As this story develops, it raises important questions about accountability and the public’s perception of celebrity figures navigating legal and personal challenges. What will be the next steps for Gallacher as she adjusts to life without a driving license, and how will she manage her responsibilities as a mother and professional?
Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
