Princess Anne's daughter Zara Tindall handed driving ban
Princess Anne's daughter Zara Tindall has been handed a driving ban after speeding through the Cotswolds in her LandRover.
The 38-year-old equestrian star and granddaughter of the Queen was caught going 91 mph close at Dartley Bottom in rural Gloucestershire last year.
Mrs Tindall already had nine points on her licence for other driving offences, leading magistrates in Cheltenham to issue a mandatory six-month ban after imposing a further four points.
The wife of former Gloucester and England rugby back Mike Tindall did not attend court as she was in Australia, where she has been advised not to get behind the wheel.
Through her lawyer she pleaded guilty to driving in excess of 70mph on the A417 near Cirencester on November 6th last year.
Barry Warburton, representing Mrs Tindall, told the court he had been instructed to speak on her behalf as she is abroad.
He emphasised to the magistrates that in law Mrs Tindall should therefore not be deemed by the court to be absent from the proceedings.
He said: "I've advised Mrs Tindall not to drive from today in Australia as any driving ban in the UK would affect her insurance in Australia."
Prosecutor Farley Turner said: "Because Mrs Tindall already has nine points on her licence she was unable to accept a fixed penalty for this offence."
Roger Utley, chairman of the bench, announced that as well as the six months ban the court was fining Mrs Tindall £666 plus costs and a victim surcharge of £151 - making a total to pay of £817.
