TV star Kirsty Gallacher called herself “broken” and fought back tears in court today as she was banned from driving for six months for speeding.
The ex-Sky Sports host, 49, was deprived of her licence despite claiming she had “no confidence” on trains and had to have her car to provide for her family.
And the Gold Radio broadcaster, who is fighting a brain tumour, shockingly told for the first time how police believe an assault on her in Central London two weeks ago was a “targeted” attack.
The broadcaster was hit with another three points – taking her to 12 – after she was caught doing 35mph in a 30 zone in Maiden’s Green, Berkshire, just after 8am on April 1.
She already had nine points from three offences in September 2023 and August 2024.
Speaking outside court, Gallacher slammed Judge Sharma for showing “no empathy” for her situation.
She added: “I’m an ordinary mum with plates spinning.
“With my health, it’s going to be very difficult.”
Sources said Ms Gallacher may be planning to appeal the decision at the crown court.
It would likely allow her to have the ban suspended while she tries to get it overturned by a more senior judge.
It is thought Ms Gallacher, who pleaded guilty, was snapped by a manned camera on a quiet road.
The radio host made an application to swerve an automatic ban under mitigating circumstances rules.
Ms Gallacher emotionally told how she had “full caring and financial responsibilities” for her two children, aged 18 and 15.
Giving evidence at High Wycombe magistrates’ court, the star emotionally said: “I’m their sole carer and provider, financially.
“We live in the middle of the countryside. We’re in the middle of nowhere.
“I take my son to school every morning. I enjoy doing that. Public transport is not a feasible option.
“It’s not fair on him, especially with what he’s got going on at the moment.
“Public transport isn’t feasible where we live.”
The star revealed she earned £150,000-a-year, had “no savings” and claimed she could not afford taxis or a private driver.
Ms Gallacher also said her son may also miss out on rugby and golf games if she were banned from getting behind the wheel, which she “wouldn’t forgive myself” for.
Speaking about her health, Ms Gallacher, who is deaf in one ear, said: “I have a brain tumour – an acoustic neuroma – it is benign, but it’s growing very fast.
“They have monitored it for the last three years. I am now doing radiotherapy.
“We don’t know if the radiotherapy is going to work, if it will shrink (the tumour) or not.
“It’s a bit of a suck it and see situation.
“I have lots of appointments. I took a week off to undergo my first session last week.
“I have to go for regular appointments with a view to more radiotherapy or possibly an operation.”
Ms Gallacher continued: “I’m not a precious person. I think I am humble. I’m not saying I can’t ever use public transport.
“We have all done that, but I can’t rely on public transport.
“I am suffering from pretty bad anxiety at the moment from the effects of this.
“I am on steroids for a period of time. I have dizziness, and I have very bad tinnitus.
“I have to navigate it gently. It’s not easy for me or my children – they are worried about the outcome.
Last month, the Gold Radio drivetime host was left “shocked and afraid” after being attacked on the street in London.
She told her near-400,000 Instagram followers that a man dressed “all in black” had “kicked me like a football” from behind.
Today, Ms Gallacher recalled the terrifying assault in court – revealing cops now believe it was a targeted attack against her.
She said: “I was walking to my car. It’s a 12-minute walk. I was walking the same way I always walk. There were lots of people around.
“A gentleman was walking at me on the street. 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, that this was targeted.
“The police have all the CCTV footage and a very clear image of him.”
She added: “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.”
District Judge Arvind Sharma said Ms Gallacher was rich enough to pay for taxis or could rely on friends, and said she did not meet the threshold to avoid a ban.
He said: “I’m required to disqualify you for six months unless I find exceptional hardship. I don’t find exceptional hardship in your case. I accept that things will be harder for you, in your case.
“But they do not meet the threshold. I don’t accept that your son needs you to give him a lift.
“You have adequate money saved up that you could use taxis if needed. The same goes for yourself and your own travel. You are disqualified, as of now, for six months.
“You cannot drive any kind of motor vehicle.”
Ms Gallacher was fined £660, with a surcharge of £264, and costs of £120 for the speeding offence.
It is the latest driving woe for the mother-of-two after she was banned for two years for drink driving in 2017.
Ms Gallacher had been seen driving her BMW X4 erratically before police tracked her down using CCTV.
The broadcaster’s alcohol level was found to be 106 micrograms per 100ml of breath – triple the 35mg limit.
At the time, she blamed the “stress” of her marriage breakdown for the error, when she went to pick up her sons for a day out at Windsor Castle.
