Kenny Alexander banned from driving after taking car from outside kebab shop

Kenny Alexander, former chief executive of bookmaking giant GVC (now Entain) and more recently famous as the owner of superstar hurdler Honeysuckle, has been banned from driving for a year and fined £1,000 after taking a delivery driver's car from outside a kebab shop.

A court in Perth on Friday was told Alexander blamed "a moment of madness" for his actions in the city at the end of a night drinking with a friend 12 months ago.

Alexander, who stood down as boss of the parent company of Ladbrokes and Coral last July, admitted taking and driving away a car without the owner's consent. The 52-year-old also pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while over the legal alcohol limit and additionally to driving without insurance.

Kenny Alexander (centre) after Honeysuckle's victory at the 2020 Cheltenham FestivalCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Having been unable to source a taxi, Alexander spotted the keys had been left in a delivery driver's Honda hatchback. While collecting an order from the takeaway, the car's owner heard the sound of wheels spinning and saw the vehicle being taken.

Alexander's solicitor John McLaughlin said: "He has been mortified by what has happened. He has previously been of good character but he doesn’t deny any of the offence. When the delivery driver arrived he spoke with him about the prospect of getting a lift home. In truth the driver is probably not allowed to do that.

"This was when his moment of madness occurred. He jumped in the car and ended up one street away, having effectively driven once around the block. He can’t explain what went through his mind. When the delivery driver approached him he apologised and offered to pay for any inconvenience he had caused."

Alexander left the scene of the crime but was later found waiting for police officers outside his house, where he told them: "It’s me you’re looking for."

Sheriff Pino Di Emidio told Alexander: "You appear before the court as a man of relatively mature years and someone with a hitherto impeccable character."

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