Kirsty Gallacher, the television and radio personality, said she had been left “broken” by recent health battles and a traumatic street assault as she was banned from driving for the second time.
The former Sky Sports News presenter fought back tears after she was handed a six-month disqualification for reaching 12 penalty points, the threshold for an automatic ban under totting-up rules.
The Edinburgh-born single mother of two admitted the speeding offence at High Wycombe magistrates’ court but pleaded for leniency, arguing that losing her licence would cause “exceptional hardship” due to her family circumstances and health issues.
Gallacher, 49, revealed she was deaf in one ear owing to a brain tumour, which she told the court was “benign, but growing very fast”. She is undergoing radiotherapy and said she was “suffering from pretty bad anxiety”.
Addressing the court on Wednesday, she said: “I’m broken at the moment, from everything … I’m broken from the health issues, exacerbated by the assault. I’m very sad to be standing here and I’m sorry.”
The Gold Radio broadcaster also detailed a recent, unprovoked “targeted attack” in London where she was kicked, saying the incident had shattered her confidence. Gallacher, whose father is the former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher, told how the unknown man had “kicked me like a football”.
Gallacher hosts All Time Classics on Gold Radio Drive every weekday
Gallacher told the court: “I was walking to my car. There were lots of people around. A gentleman was walking at me … I moved out of the way, I thought it was strange. He brushed past me, turned around and kicked me very hard. He assaulted me in the street. The police now believe I was targeted … The police have all the CCTV footage.”
The offence that tipped her over the points limit occurred on April 1, when her car was recorded travelling at 35mph in a 30mph zone in Maiden’s Green, Berkshire.
Gallacher stressed the necessity of her car to transport her children, aged 15 and 18, from their home in the countryside. She said that public transport was not a feasible option and also noted that her ex-husband, Paul Sampson, had no role in their lives.
Sophia Dower, representing Gallacher, said that her client was “the epitome of a one-woman band”.
Despite her emotional testimony, District Judge Arvind Sharma said: “I’m required to disqualify you for six months. I don’t find exceptional hardship. You have adequate money for taxis.”
Gallacher, who earns £150,000 a year and has significant savings set aside for her children, was also ordered to pay £1,044 in costs and fines.
The latest ban comes after a two-year disqualification she received in 2017 for drink-driving.
Speaking after the ruling, a visibly upset Gallacher criticised the judge for showing “no empathy”. She added: “I’m an ordinary mum with plates spinning. With my health, it’s going to be very difficult.” She said she might appeal against the decision.