Table of Contents
- Colin Salmon Breaks His Silence
- Court Appearance Details
- Family Health Challenges
- Judge's Decision
- Personal Reflections
EASTENDERS’ Colin Salmon has spoken out following his court appearance, expressing gratitude towards the “compassionate” judge.
The 64-year-old actor was caught driving at 24mph in a 20mph zone near his £1.2 million home in Acton, West .
Colin Salmon has spoken out following his court appearance and expressed gratitude towards the ‘compassionate’ judgeCredit: Getty
Colin cares for his ill wife Fiona, which he explained in detail to the court after being charged with driving at 24mph in a 20mph zoneCredit: Alamy
Colin portrays George Knight in EastEndersCredit: BBC
He appeared at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court earlier this week,
However, the actor – known for playing George Knight – became emotional as he shared the necessity of driving his ill wife Fiona Hawthorne and their daughter Sasha to various health appointments.
Fiona, who shares four children with the star, suffers from interstitial lung disease, which has left her in need of a double lung transplant.
The judge opted not to revoke Colin's driving privileges, and the star took to X on New Year’s Day to express his thanks for the judge's compassion.
He wrote: “I take full responsibility and apologize. I genuinely believe that the 20mph limit has improved the quality of life in London.
“Nine points in seven weeks within half a mile of my home. It proves the saying ‘you’re more likely to have an accident five minutes from home!’
“The court considered our extraordinary circumstances, fined me, but showed compassion for which I am truly grateful.”
He concluded: “Here’s to a healthier and less eventful 2026.”
The court was informed that Salmon was caught by a speed camera on March 31.
He already had points for speeding from 2023, having jumped a red light on February 27 this year, and again on April 15.
Salmon pleaded guilty to the latest charge and was fined £666, with £130 in costs and a £266 victim surcharge.
He received three additional points, which would typically lead to an automatic six-month disqualification.
However, bench chairman Mark Stollery waived the ban, stating: “We acknowledge that you are the primary breadwinner and caregiver for your family, which includes members with life-limiting conditions, including your wife and children, who all have various medical issues.”
While speaking in court about his family’s circumstances, a tearful Colin shared: “My wife fell ill while I was working in America, so I had to remain at home, and in 2022, I had the opportunity to join the cast of EastEnders and stay in London.
Colin – who also cares for his daughter – was fined £666, with £130 in costs, and ordered to pay a £266 victim surcharge, receiving three additional penalty pointsCredit: Alamy
“They do not provide transportation. You must arrange your own travel to and from work – it is part of our contract that we are self-sufficient in that regard.”
Salmon also became emotional while recounting how his daughter Sasha was diagnosed with leukemia, a cancer affecting blood cells, in 2019.
He added: “I assist her as much as I can and drive her to medical appointments.
“EastEnders has been incredible. If I provide them with dates, they accommodate me.”