Holly Willoughby has pleaded guilty to knocking down a motorcyclist whilst driving her Mini Cooper without due care or attention, it was heard in court today.
The television presenter, 44, collided with the victim near her £3million home in southwest London on August 28.
The mother-of-three pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention via post at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court.
The presenter, whose legal documentation lists her married surname as Baldwin, acknowledged the charge of driving without due care and attention. This offence falls under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
This former Morning presenter Holly Willoughby has pleaded guilty to knocking down a motorcyclist
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ITVThe collision resulted in the scooter operator being thrown from their vehicle.
Magistrates reviewed video evidence of the incident during Tuesday’s proceedings, which took place without Willoughby’s physical presence in court.
The former This Morning presenter now awaits sentencing for the driving offence.
Video footage presented to the court captured the moment Willoughby executed a right turn into a side road without activating her indicator.
A motorcyclist riding a white Piaggio scooter attempted to pass her vehicle at that precise moment.
Holly Willoughby pleaded guilty at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court
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PAThe manoeuvre resulted in a collision that sent the scooter operator, who was travelling at around 20mph tumbling to the ground.
The court heard he suffered a fracture to his neck and a broken toe in the crash.
Court officials examined the recorded evidence during the brief hearing on Tuesday morning.
The footage formed a crucial element of the prosecution’s case against the television personality.
Holly began co-presenting ITV’s This Morning with Schofield in September 2009 until his departure in May 2023.
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PAThe incident represents a serious motoring offence that carries substantial penalties under road traffic legislation.
Magistrates must now determine appropriate sanctions for the admitted careless driving charge.
The collision adds to a challenging period for Ms Willoughby, who has faced significant personal and professional upheaval in recent years.
Sentencing guidelines for the offence indicate Ms Willoughby could receive up to nine penalty points on her driving licence.
Financial penalties are also likely, with magistrates able to impose substantial fines for careless driving convictions.
In the most serious cases, courts can impose driving disqualifications, though the severity of sanctions depends on various factors.
The presenter’s sentence has yet to be determined by the court.
The charge encompasses a broad range of driving behaviours, from distraction at the wheel to failing to maintain proper observation of other road users.
Activities such as applying cosmetics whilst driving, engaging in heated discussions with passengers, or following other vehicles too closely all fall within the scope of this offence.
JPs were shown footage of Holly turning right into a side street without indicating
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PAMs Willoughby’s guilty plea via postal submission meant she avoided a personal court appearance.
Recent cancellations include Dancing on Ice and Celebrity Bear Hunt, whilst she also stepped away from You Bet! alongside Stephen Mulhern.
For two decades, Ms Willoughby maintained consistent television hosting duties, making her current absence from regular programming particularly notable.
Her exit from This Morning in 2023 marked the end of a 14-year partnership with Phillip Schofield.
Industry speculation has linked Ms Willoughby to potential new opportunities, particularly as a possible successor to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The pair recently announced their intention to depart the programme by year’s end.
Ms Willoughby’s withdrawal from public broadcasting followed disturbing personal circumstances.
Last year, Gavin Plumb received a life sentence with a 16-year minimum term for plotting to kidnap and murder the presenter, an ordeal that prompted her to focus on family priorities.
