Madeley given driving ban

The TV personality was disqualified after pleadingÂ…

12:07 02 September 2009

TV personality Chloe Madeley has been banned from driving after pleading guilty to drinking behind the wheel.

Chloe Madeley, the daughter of famous TV presenter duo Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, was arrested after a crash in Barnet, north London last month.

She was almost twice over the legal limit when the incident occurred, Hendon Magistrates' Court heard.

The court was told that her car clipped another vehicle before overturning, following which she fled the scene.  The court heard that she had drunk two cocktails before the crash on 16 August. She was disqualified for 20 months.

Madeley worked as a showbusiness reporter on the Watch channel chat show ‘New Position’, which was hosted by Richard and Judy. She has also presented Channel 4's ‘Big Brother's Big Mouth’.

Prosecutor, Priya Valentine, said Madeley had been illegally driving her Peugeot 206 when she collided with a stationary vehicle, causing a "substantial" amount of damage.

After police discovered the flipped vehicle, they traced her as the owner and she was arrested at her parents' home in north London.

Madeley told police she was "dazed and shocked" after the incident, the court heard.

Defending, Alex Radley said: "In the early hours of the morning she urgently required the services of a 24-hour chemist in relation to female products, believing at this time she wouldn't be over the limit.

"Just before the incident she realised that the (Mini) car was parked at an unusual angle, pointed out on to the road, and the tyres were twisted.

"Unfortunately it was at late notice that she spotted this and too late to take any avoiding action."

Madeley was ordered to pay a total of £435, including £70 in prosecution costs and £15 towards a victims of crime fund.

She was also informed that her ban would be reduced by a quarter if she undertakes a drink-drive rehabilitation course.