Richard Ashcroft banned from driving for six months after speeding
Musician Richard Ashcroft, who rose to fame fronting The Verve, was banned from driving for six months and ordered to pay nearly £3,000 after he was caught speeding.
Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday that Ashcroft, 54, was driving a green 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class on February 19 last year and was recorded traveling at 8mph over the 40mph limit on the elevated section of the M4 at Brentford in west London.
The court was told Ashcroft, whose address is listed in Richmond-upon-Thames, already had nine relevant points on his license for three previous speeding offenses between December 16, 2022 and October 21, 2024. Ashcroft did not attend the hearing but pleaded guilty to a single count of speeding.
Conall Bailie, defending, stated that Ashcroft apologized for his absence and asserted his current unwavering commitment.
In handing down the sentence, District Judge Daniel Benjamin said Ashcroft had put other road users at “risk of harm” by speeding. The judge added that Ashcroft committed the latest offense “without any intention of obeying the speed limit”.
Ashcroft’s license was given an additional three points, leading to a six-month driving ban. He was also ordered to pay a total of £2,755, including a fine, statutory surcharge and investigation costs. Mr Bailie confirmed Ashcroft had the financial means to pay the full amount.
The ‘Sonnet’ singer recently appeared as Oasis’ support act on the UK and Ireland leg of their reunion tour in 2025. Ashcroft is a long-time friend of Liam Gallagher and his older brother Noel, and had supported his band (then known simply as Verve) in 1993.
Noel wrote the song “Cast No Shadow” from Oasis’ second album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, As a tribute to the Lancashire-born singer.
Since The Verve’s breakup in 2009, Ashcroft has had a successful solo career, releasing six top 10 albums, including 2016’s. These People.
He shared his sixth solo record in 2021 Acoustic Hymns Volume 1, a collection of new versions of songs spanning both his solo career and his time in The Verve; Liam joined Ashcroft for a duet of “C’mon People (We’re Making It Now)” from his debut solo album. Alone with Everyone.
