Bitish sprinter Bianca Williams has been handed a driving ban, despite her plea that it could jeopardize her chances of participating in the 2024 Olympics.
The 29-year-old failed to disclose the driver’s identity during an alleged offence involving a Tesla Model 3.
Williams argued that a driving ban would impede her ability to attend training, citing difficulties with public transport. However, magistrates at Lavender Hill dismissed her claim and suspended her driving privileges for six months.
Williams neglected to respond to police letters on three occasions between April and June 2023. In October, two Metropolitan Police officers were dismissed over a 2020 stop-and-search incident involving Williams and her partner, Portuguese sprinter Ricardo Dos Santos, who alleged racial profiling.
Pleading guilty to three charges of failing to identify the driver, Williams, representing herself, asserted she wasn’t driving during the alleged offences. She described the inconvenience of using public transport for training and coaching sessions, emphasizing the impact on her Olympic aspirations.
Acknowledging her fault, Williams expressed the difficulty of managing daily responsibilities, such as dropping off her child at nursery before training. Despite her plea, she received a six-month driving disqualification, a £276 fine, a £110 surcharge, and £85 in costs. Additionally, 18 points were added to her license, bringing the total to 29.
Source: BBC Sports
