A reality television star admitted he made a “silly mistake” when he input his address into his maps while driving - and was caught by police in Norwich.
Jake Quickenden appeared in court after admitting to using his phone while driving along Bracondale on June 17 this year.
The 37-year-old found fame on The X Factor in 2014 and later became a runner-up on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!.
He told Colchester Magistrates' Court on July 23 that the offence occurred when he was heading home after work and was inputting his address for a long drive in his VW Golf.
After putting his phone in a holder and driving on, police stopped him at a nearby roundabout and he admitted guilt at the scene.
“Firstly, massive lack in judgement," he told magistrates. "It was stupid on my part.
“It couldn’t have been in my hand any longer than 20 to 30 seconds.
“I’ve got children, so I never use my phone in the car.
“I’m really, really sorry that it happened.”
With six points on his licence for two separate speeding offences, the latest occurring in 2023, magistrates would impose six points for this offence which meant he could have been disqualified from driving.
The court asks defendants to explain how losing their licence might cause exceptional hardship for themselves or others.
Quickenden, who lives in Colchester, explained he had recently separated from his partner, Sophie Church, and that he was in the process of securing a new house for himself.
They split care of three children equally, with Quickenden regularly carrying out school and nursery drop-offs and pickups.
The court heard his mum is unwell, that he cares for her and pays her to work for him, and that it is important for her mental health he is able to drive the children to her home several hours away.
Quickenden also brought documents detailing work contracts in the entertainment industry, including filming for an upcoming BBC show and a theatre show at Butlins.
He explained losing his licence would impact his ability to perform in the show, where there would be a loss of earnings for himself, the business and impact the 2,500-strong audience who had purchased tickets.
The former footballer told the court he would be fined for breaching contracts if he is unable to work.
“The industry that I am in is very much about being reliable and being a good person,” Quickenden said.
“It could affect other contracts in the industry I am in. It would be catastrophic.”
Magistrates gave Quickenden a further six points on his licence, but they did not disqualify him from driving as they could see he was remorseful and that losing his licence would have an impact on his children, his former partner, his mum and his work.
He must pay a total of £1,089, made up of a £692 fine, a £277 victim surcharge and £120 in costs.
Speaking after the hearing, he said: “It was just a silly mistake that unfortunately I made with no thought process whatsoever.
“It put a lot of strain on me to even think about losing my licence. It was not great at all.
“If you get caught doing something you shouldn’t, it is deserved. But it won’t happen again.”
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