Michael Caine's daughter banned from driving despite care plea for famous dad
Sir Michael Caine 's daughter has been banned from driving despite claiming that any disqualification would affect her ability to help care for her famous dad.
Dominique Caine, 65, from Cirencester, Gloucestershire, received the ban at Cheltenham Magistrates Court.
She admitted speeding in a Range Rover on the A436 in the Cotswolds on May 3rd last year.
She was caught doing 64mph in a 50mph zone and the minimum three penalty points imposed on her licence took her to 12, making her liable to a six months ban under the 'totting up' rules.
Despite her plea that a ban would make it more difficult to get to London to see her 89-year-old father, and that it would hit a struggling horse eventing business in which she is involved, district judge Nicholas Wattam imposed the full six months ban.
Bruno Tonioli says Britain's Got Talent is UK's biggest show 'now that I'm here'
Dominique Caine has been slapped with a six-month driving ban (Press Association)He also fined her £200 plus costs of £90 and a surcharge of £34.
Ms Caine's relationship to one of Britain's best known and most successful actors emerged during the hearing when the judge looked at a letter of support from her mother, Shakira Caine.
Judge Wattam asked defence lawyer James Findon “Are we dealing with a famous name? I have a number of letters of support from Shakira Caine. Therefore are we talking about Sir Michael?”
Mr Findon replied: “We are.”
Judge Wattam pointed out: “So money isn’t really an issue with this family?"
Mr Findon replied: “The issue isn’t financial. The issue is the flexibility with which she is able to assist in providing care for her father.
"She provides care to her father, who is based in London. If she was deprived of her ability to drive it would necessitate the use of three trains and two buses. The travel time would be in excess of eight hours.”
Michael Caine's daughter banned from driving despite care plea for famous dad (FilmMagic)He said Ms Caine also needed to be able to drive so she can continue to help a woman who is struggling to run an eventing business.
The business owner believes that without Ms Caine’s help and input she wouldn not be able to keep afloat, he said.
Judge Watteam responded : “I accept that a driving ban may have an impact, but it does not demonstrate exceptional hardship. What about the use of taxis?"
Tom Cruise spotted at Sir Michael Caine's 90th birthday after Oscars snub
Mr Findon replied: “It would be impossible to try and get to and from the stables by taxi. These journeys would be at sporadic times, and being in a rural location, it’s not a realistic option.
“Additionally if Ms Caine is travelling to an event at the weekend this would not in fact work. The taxi driver would not hang around all day.”
Michael's daughter has been caring for him in recent years (Getty Images)The judge then suggested that Ms Caine could employ a driver. Mr Findon said that was something he and Ms Caine had discussed.
Judge Wattam concluded that Ms Caine should be banned.
He said: “You pleaded guilty to speeding at 64mph in a 50mph zone and you will be fined £200 for this. Your driving licence will be endorsed with three penalty points which, because you already have nine points recorded on it, makes you a ‘totter’ for which you have to be banned from driving.
“I am unable to find exceptional hardship in your case and therefore I must disqualify you from driving for the next six months.”
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
