Helen Flanagan has been banned from driving for six months after failing to identify a driver during speeding incidents

Helen, 34, claimed her boyfriend was behind the wheel when her Audi was caught speeding twice last June. She appeared in court facing charges for not identifying the driver.
The magistrates weren’t convinced that a ban would cause her exceptional hardship, especially since she already had six points on her license. They also hit her with a £2,000 fine, an £800 victim surcharge, and £110 in prosecution costs.
She mentioned that living in a remote area of Bolton would make it tough for her without a car. As a mother of three, she said she’s struggling financially and can’t afford taxis for her youngest son to get to nursery.
Helen explained that her main job is being a stay-at-home mom, while their dad works away. She earns some money through social media, but it varies a lot.
She added that she doesn’t have much left after paying her taxes. An Uber ride to the nursery costs around £10, which would add up quickly.
Helen also needs her car to take her older kids to activities and to see her therapist in Birmingham. She has to meet her ex-partner, footballer Scott Sinclair, at a service station when the kids go to stay with him.
When asked if she could arrange something different with Sinclair, she said no, as their relationship is quite difficult and draining.
She opened up about her struggles with anxiety and ADHD, saying they really impact her daily life. Helen admitted she thought it was okay for her boyfriend to respond to the police about the speeding fines, thinking it was him driving.
The magistrates asked if her boyfriend could drive her car if she was banned. She expressed that it would upset her if he took that away from her.
Her lawyer pointed out that she’s a single mom doing her best and urged the court to look beyond her social media image.
Helen nodded when she was sentenced and offered to pay the fine in monthly installments of £1,000. She received six penalty points for each offense.