Emma Watson: A Speedy Sentence

British actress, Emma Watson, famed for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, has been handed a six-month driving ban. This comes after Watson was caught exceeding the speed limit last year.

The Incident

Watson was found to be driving at 38 mph in a 30 mph zone in Oxford, England, on July 31. At the time of the incident, she had already accumulated nine points on her driving licence. The addition of three more points resulted in an automatic ban, as per the UK driving regulations.

Court Proceedings

Watson, who is currently studying for her master’s degree at the University of Oxford, was fined a total of £1,044. This equates to roughly $1,918. The hearing took place at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court. However, Watson was not present. Watson’s lawyer, Mark Haslam, assured the court that she is in a position to pay the fine.

Watson’s Journey

Watson’s journey to fame began in 2001 when she starred in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone alongside co-stars Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe. This was the first of eight films in the much-loved franchise. Her character, Hermione Granger, quickly became a fan favourite for her intelligence and quick wit.

Following the end of the Harry Potter series in 2011, Watson has continued to build her acting portfolio. She’s starred in films such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bling Ring and Beauty and the Beast. Her most recent role was in the 2019 adaptation of Little Women.

Harry Potter Co-Star Also Banned

Interestingly, Watson is not the only Harry Potter star to face a driving ban this week. Zoe Wannamaker, who played Madame Hooch in the franchise, was also banned from driving on the same day. She was caught speeding on a motorway in southern England last year and, like Watson, had accumulated nine points on her licence prior to the incident.

Both women were fined the same amount and received a six-month driving ban. Wanamaker’s lawyer, Duncan Jones, stated that she did not expect any special treatment and accepted the fine.

Looking Ahead

Despite these recent setbacks, both actresses continue to make waves in the entertainment industry. Watson and her brother Alex recently launched a sustainable gin brand called Renais. Meanwhile, Wannamaker continues to impress audiences with her on-screen performances. It just seems they’ll both need to find alternative methods of transportation for a while!