CASUALTY star Barney Walsh was branded “arrogant” by magistrates after he failed to appear in court for speeding at almost 100mph.
The actor and TV presenter, 26, was recorded by officers driving a Mercedes with 2023 plates on the M4 at 150km/h in Swindon, Wiltshire, on March 6 this year.
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Bradley Walsh and his son Barney at the 2020 National Television Awards Credit: Splash
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Barney joined Casualty last year as accident-prone nurse Cameron ‘Cam’ MickelthwaiteCredit: BBC
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He also hosted the reboot of Gladiator alongside his dad Bradley
Walsh, who also hosts the BBC revival of Gladiator with The Chase’s father Bradley, was called to plead guilty at Swindon Magistrates’ Court today.
Walsh’s lawyers sent a letter to JP disputing the police claim that he was driving at 150 km/h.
They added that Walsh was willing to plead guilty to driving “between 93 and 95 mph.”
Presiding Judge Mark Baker strongly condemned the popular presenter for not facing justice in person.
He told the court: “We think this is a bit arrogant that this request is coming from the company that represents Mr Walsh when he was called to appear here.
“But he didn’t show up, and neither did his representatives.
“Other people have taken great pains to come here today from considerable distances, but Mr. Walsh seems to think he should not appear.”
The court heard that Walsh was given the opportunity to make a statement by post, but Mr Baker continued: “Some people seem to think they don’t need to appear, but if they are called, they are expected to.”
Wiltshire Police spotted Walsh’s flash Mercedes GLC 300 as it flew past a manned camera on the M4 at 4.30pm on March 6 this year, prosecutor Anna Hughes said.
The police officers recorded the speed of the Mercedes at 150 km/h at the time of the violation.
Watch the moment Bradley Walsh swears at Ant and Dec as he tries to drag them off stage after yet another NTA win
Ms Hughes continued: “They stopped the vehicle and the driver identified himself as Barney Walsh.”
Lawyers for the TV ace, from the powerhouse brokerage firm Burton Copeland, told magistrates in a letter: “Our client pleads guilty to the offence, but does not accept that the speed was 97mph.
“He believes he was traveling between 93 and 95 miles per hour and is prepared to plead guilty on that basis.”
Mr Baker said the difference in speed made no difference and it was “exactly the same category” of offence.
Walsh’s lawyers asked JP to impose a financial penalty and add five points to his licence.
The social media star already has three penalty points added to his license for the offense in July last year, magistrates heard.
Sentencing, Mr Baker said: “We took into account the letter from his lawyers and his early guilty plea.
“Normally the fine for this would be £2,500 at most.
“However, we have been lenient with Mr Walsh and have brought this down to £1,000.”
Mr Baker added: “His driving license will also be marked with five penalty points.”
Walsh, from Essex, was also ordered to pay £490 in compensation and given 28 days to pay.
His representative has been asked for comment.
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