Socialite banned from driving after three speeding offences in 10 days

A socialite has been banned from driving for speeding three times in 10 days despite claiming it would place “significant hardship” on her and her business.

Lady Tatiana Mountbatten, 29 of Chelsea, admitted breaking the 60mph speed limit on the M4 in her Porsche three times in March this year.

The aristocrat, who is a distant cousin of the Queen, was caught by a speed camera on the M4 near Heston Services on March 1 driving at 70mph, the court heard.

Her Porsche was then caught five days later, on March 6, travelling at 71mph and then again on March 10 at 70mph.

Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday that Lady Mountbatten already had points on her licence and the points for the offences would take her over the 12-point limit at which a ban is usually imposed.

Lawyers representing Lady Mountbatten, who spoke only to confirm her details and guilty pleas, said that a driving ban would place her in ”significant hardship” because she needed to travel to and from her equestrian business about an hour’s drive outside London.

Mark Haslam, defending, said the impact of a ban would mean she would have to use public transport or “beg and borrow” to get to work but her “greatest concern” was it could cost her staff their jobs.

He added: “There is going to be significant hardship both to her and to third parties.

“The defendant is self employed as a professional horse trainer.

“Of course she is the author of her own misfortune and she must bear the consequences. But there is a knock-on effect.”

Mr Haslam said his client had not “wilfully disregarded” the speed limit but she had not been aware it had been reduced from 70mph to 60mph.

He added: “Of course I accept that it’s the defendant’s responsibility.“

However, a panel of magistrates said Lady Mountbatten would be disqualified for six months and fined her a total of £450. She was also ordered to pay £85 in costs.