Emma Watson banned from driving for six months after speeding in Oxford
Oxford: Actress Emma Watson, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, has been handed a six-month driving ban after being caught speeding in Oxford.
The 35-year-old, currently studying for a master’s degree in creative writing at the University of Oxford, was found to have driven a blue Audi at 38mph in a 30mph zone on the evening of 31 July last year. At the time of the offence, she already had nine penalty points on her licence, the court heard.
Watson did not attend the brief five-minute hearing at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. In addition to the ban, she was ordered to pay a total of £1,044, comprising a £660 fine, a £264 victim surcharge and £120 in court costs.
Her solicitor, Mark Haslam, informed the court that Watson was aware of the penalty and in a position to pay the fine.
Watson rose to global fame at the age of 11, starring alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001). She went on to appear in all eight films in the franchise, concluding in 2011 with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.
Since then, she has taken on roles in films such as Beauty and the Beast, The Bling Ring, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Her most recent film role was in Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of Little Women.
Outside of acting, Watson has become a prominent advocate for women’s rights and sustainability. In 2023, she launched a sustainable gin brand in partnership with her brother.
Meanwhile, a new television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books is currently in production, with a new cast taking on the iconic roles. Dominic McLaughlin stars as Harry, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione and Alastair Stout as Ron. The series, being produced by HBO, is expected to span a decade.
John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, alongside Nick Frost as Hagrid, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.