Sarah Harding has been banned from driving for six months after she was caught using her mobile phone behind the wheel. Attending Highbury Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, the former Girls Aloud member will also pay a £605 fine for the indiscretion, which took place on 4 April. Spotted taking a phone call in her black range rover in London by police officers, Sarah also faced charges for not pulling over when instructed to do so. "The vehicle swerved across his path," said the prosecution.
"He looked over and saw she was using a mobile phone, pressed to her right ear. He spoke to her and tried to stop her. "Eventually she spoke to other officers, and said she was lost." Having previously accumulated nine points for previous offences, Sarah is insistent that she has finally learnt from her mistakes. "Too many people use their mobile phone whilst driving and think it's acceptable. It is not," said the singer. "Every year people die or are seriously injured because they were distracted making that 'oh so important call'. Mobile phones are a convenient tool for modern life but they must be used safely. I made a mistake by using my phone whilst driving, but I was lucky." The singer, 31, added: "I accept the court's penalty but it could have been a lot worse. I have learned my lesson."
Judge Tenpia gave Sarah credit for pleading guilty and her numerous philanthropic pursuits, but insisted that the singer was treated like "a normal person". Sarah celebrated her last day as a member of Girls Aloud on March 31. Keen on pursuing a solo music career, Sarah's lawyer described the offence as "untimely". She has also recently acted in Run For Your Wife, a comedy starring Denise Van Outen and Danny Dyer.