Scottish rugby star Adam Hastings has been handed a driving ban due to a series of motoring offences, including using a mobile phone while driving and speeding. The 28-year-old, who has represented Scotland 32 times, received a six-month driving ban along with fines and costs amounting to £618 after admitting to the charges. Gloucestershire Magistrates’ Court heard that Hastings was spotted using his phone by police officers on the A40 Golden Valley bypass in Gloucester on February 20 last year. Additionally, he was caught speeding at 37mph in a 30mph zone in North Kensington, London, on June 8 of the same year.
Having already accumulated six points on his licence from previous speeding offences in 2022 and 2023, Hastings faced disqualification under the totting up procedure. The court was informed that police observed him weaving while holding a mobile phone and engaging in a conversation. Despite not attending the hearing, Hastings had pleaded guilty to both charges. His legal representative stated that he used the phone for a brief period and attributed the weaving to possible potholes rather than reckless driving.
The presiding justice, Steven Chandler, pointed out that Hastings had pled guilty promptly and acknowledged the totting up of penalty points, leading to the six-month driving ban. The court assumed an average weekly income of £440 for Hastings in the absence of financial information provided. For the mobile phone offence, he received six penalty points, a £146 fine, a £58 surcharge, and £110 prosecution costs. In addition, a six-month driving ban was imposed for the speeding offence, along with a £146 fine, a £58 surcharge, and £100 prosecution costs.
Hastings comes from a renowned rugby family, with his father Gavin and uncle Scott also having represented the senior Scotland side. Currently playing for Glasgow Warriors, he has previously been associated with Bath and Gloucester. Hastings expressed remorse over his actions and assured that such incidents would not recur, emphasizing that he has learned from the experience. The rugby player’s desire for a discreet resolution without raising exceptional hardship or seeking publicity was noted during the court proceedings.