THE comedian Dawn French has been handed her fourth speeding offence in three years — this time earning a six-month ban.

Ms French, 68, was sentenced at Plymouth Magistrates Court on September 7, but reportedly did not attend the hearing in person.

The Falmouth University Chancellor, possibly most known for her roles in TV’s The Vicar of Dibley as Geraldine Granger and as double act ‘French and Saunders’ with co-star Jennifer Saunders, has a history of speeding related incidents.

Having already received nine points on her licence for previous offences, this latest incident brought her up to 12 points on her licence having been caught driving her Mini Clubman Cooper S Sport at 36mph in a 30mph zone in Plymouth, Devon, on June 11 last year.

District Judge Stuart Smith, presiding, also ordered Ms French to pay a £600 fine, £240 victim surcharge and £90 costs.