Helen Flanagan, the former *Coronation Street* actress, appeared in Wirral Magistrates’ Court in a deeply emotional state 

as she opened up about the financial challenges she has been facing. 

The 34-year-old actress, known for her role as Rosie Webster on the long-running soap, was disqualified from driving for six months 

after her Audi was caught speeding on two separate occasions within 16 days. 

She was also charged with failing to identify the driver of the vehicle during the incidents on July 10 and July 26, which occurred in the Liverpool area. 

Flanagan, who attended court accompanied by her boyfriend Robbie Talbot, pleaded her case, attempting to maintain her driving privileges by citing “exceptional hardship.” 

She made it clear that her life as a single mother has become even more complicated without access to her car, especially given her remote living situation. During the hearing, Flanagan explained that she resides in a secluded area in the moors with her three children. She mentioned that the nearest shop is a ten-minute drive away and public transportation options are scarce, making daily tasks like grocery shopping a real challenge.

“I’m a single mum, I live on my own. I live in the middle of the moors. There’s no shop nearby. It’s a really remote area,” Flanagan shared. She further elaborated on how difficult it would be for her and her children to manage without a car, citing the struggle of attending her son’s nursery. She revealed that without her own vehicle, she would be forced to rely on costly Uber rides, which would be financially burdensome.

Flanagan also shared personal details about her ongoing battle with mental health issues, including post-natal depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She disclosed that she attends therapy sessions in Birmingham to help manage her conditions, explaining that driving to these appointments is crucial for her well-being. “It’s really important for my mental health. I do struggle with anxiety. I have terrible OCD, and it does really impact my life in general,” she stated. The actress added that remote video sessions with her therapist weren’t as effective as face-to-face meetings, underscoring the importance of the long drives to her therapy.

Additionally, Flanagan discussed the fluctuating nature of her income. As a single mother, she admitted that her primary job revolves around caring for her children at home. While she does earn money through social media, her income has been inconsistent, particularly in the past year. “I used to earn quite well from it, but I haven’t done so well the past year,” she explained, acknowledging the financial strain that has been affecting her family.

She also described how she relies on driving to meet her ex-partner, Scott Sinclair, the father of her children, at a service station located between their two homes. This arrangement allows their children to maintain a relationship with their father. “It’s really important for my children to see their dad,” she told the court, emphasizing how difficult it would be to arrange alternative transportation. With her boyfriend unable to drive and her parents being in their late 60s, she explained that arranging for someone else to assist with the travel would be a significant burden.

Flanagan became visibly emotional during her testimony as she spoke about her family’s struggles. She mentioned how her brother’s severe mental health issues have also impacted her, revealing that her parents had to travel to Bangkok to be with him during a difficult time. Despite her heartfelt plea, the court ultimately rejected her claim of exceptional hardship. The magistrates’ panel ruled that Flanagan would be banned from driving for six months. In addition to the driving ban, she was fined £2,000 and required to pay an £800 victim surcharge, as well as court costs totaling £110.

Flanagan’s emotional testimony shed light on the personal and financial challenges she is facing, highlighting her role as a dedicated mother trying to balance the demands of her family with her own mental health struggles. Although the court’s decision may have been a setback, it is clear that Flanagan’s commitment to her children and her well-being remains steadfast.

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