Ant McPartlin Live Presenter at court in drink drive case

Ant McPartlin Live Presenter at court in drink drive case



TV presenter Ant McPartlin has arrived at court to face a drink-driving charge following a car crash which left a three-year-old girl in hospital.



The 42-year-old was arrested at the scene in south west London after he took his dog for a walk in Richmond Park.



He was charged with drink-driving following the incident last month and arrived at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Monday afternoon.





Judge refers to McPartlin's previous 'exemplary character'

District Judge Barbara Barnes told McPartlin 'you are a well-known and successful entertainer,' whose weekly income is around £130,000 a week.



Sentencing him, she said: 'At the time when it happened you were struggling with various personal problems and also alcohol issues for some months.



'This incident happened, sadly, when it seems you suffered a brief relapse.'



The judge described McPartlin's previous 'exemplary character' adding: 'I think it will have quite an impact on you to know you're no longer a man of good character.'



Fining him, she said: 'Because of the seriousness of this offence, the financial pain must be imposed on you as on any other offender.'



McPartlin was also told to pay £255 in costs.





Ant McPartlin faces a scrum of photographers

The I'm A Celebrity host had to walk past dozens of photographers and reporters who had gathered outside the court on Monday.



McPartlin was wearing a black suit and black tie and was escorted from the vehicle up the stairs and into the court.



At least seven police officers were guarding the entrance to the court, where McPartlin is expected to enter a plea.