Author La Plante banned from driving for six months
Crime author Lynda La Plante has been banned from driving for six months after pleading guilty to multiple speeding offenses. The 83-year-old argued that the ban would negatively impact her ability to conduct research and care for her dog.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal consequences of repeat traffic offenses and the personal impact of losing driving privileges for elderly professionals.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Crime author Lynda La Plante appeared in Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court on Monday over speeding offences
Best-selling crime author Lynda La Plante has been disqualified from driving for six months, despite tearfully telling the court a ban would end her writing career.
The 83-year-old author and screenwriter told Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court she needed her car to meet criminals and sources for research into her next works of fiction.
La Plante said a ban would also stop her driving to take her guard dog Theo for a walk in Roehampton Playing Fields - an emotional strain which would lead her to stop writing altogether.
She pleaded guilty on Monday to breaking the 20mph speed limit near her home in Kingston-upon-Thames five times between November 2025 and April this year.
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