Jesse Wood’s appearance at a London magistrates’ court this week turned into something far more revealing than a routine speeding case.
The 49-year-old musician told the court he is currently unemployed and surviving on little more than £1,000 a month, a stark admission that surprised many given his famous surname.
Life After a High-Profile Split
Since separating from television presenter Fearne Cotton 13 months ago, Wood explained that steady work has been hard to come by.
While he once expected to be employed during 2024, those plans fell through, leaving him reliant on savings as he searches for new opportunities.
Famous Roots, Different Circumstances
Wood is the son of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, whose fortune is estimated at around £100 million.
Jesse himself lives in a £3 million townhouse in Richmond, south-west London, but told the court that property and lineage haven’t translated into financial comfort in recent months.
The Speeding Incident That Sparked Trouble
Wood was summoned to Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court after being caught driving at 27mph in a 20mph zone on the A4 Cromwell Road in Earls Court last April.
The offence might have been minor on its own, but it came with serious consequences due to his existing record.
A Risky Position Behind the Wheel
By the time of the incident, Wood already had nine penalty points on his licence from three similar speeding offences within the previous year.
That history meant the latest offence put him firmly on the brink of a driving ban.
Speaking for Himself in Court
Representing himself, the father of four spoke candidly about his finances.
He told magistrates his income from the last tax year was just £14,000 and confirmed he is actively looking for paid work.
“At the moment I’m living off my savings,” he said, adding that employment plans had been delayed.
Taking Responsibility for the Offence
Wood apologised for exceeding the speed limit and made it clear he wasn’t disputing the charge.
“I accept responsibility for what I have done,” he told the court, acknowledging he had been driving seven miles per hour over the limit.
The Prosecution’s Case Laid Bare
Prosecutor Geraldine Dickinson outlined the details of the offence, explaining that the speed camera recorded Wood’s vehicle at 27mph just before 1pm on April 7.
She also reminded the court of his recent history of similar violations.
The Sentence and Its Impact
Despite his claims of financial strain, the court imposed a six-month driving ban after adding three more penalty points to his licence.
He was also ordered to pay £255 in fines and costs, including a reduced fine, a surcharge and court fees.
Magistrate Explains the Decision
Sentencing magistrate Richard Sanden told Wood the fine had been reduced because of his guilty plea, but made it clear the ban was unavoidable given his record.
The additional points automatically triggered the disqualification.
Moving On in His Personal Life
Wood has remained quiet publicly about his split from Fearne Cotton, though she previously described the separation as amicable and said their children were doing well.
He is now dating former Made in Chelsea star Gemma Gregory, who recently shared a sunny photo of the pair together on social media, declaring her love for him.
A Music Career Still Searching for Stability
Following in his father’s footsteps, Wood has carved out a career as a musician, including time as a guitarist with rock band Reef.
But as his court appearance made clear, financial success has been harder to sustain, leaving him navigating a far more uncertain chapter of his life.
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