Scots Apprentice contestant admits driving while using phone
30 year old Natalie Hughes has been given three points on her licence and a £100 fine
A Scottish entrepreneur who starred in The Apprentice has been given three points for driving while using her mobile phone.
30-year-old Natalie Hughes who only lasted two weeks on the show before being fired by Sir Alan Sugar accepted her guilt in court earlier today.
Hughes, from Moodiesburn, North Lanarkshire was caught using her phone while behind the wheel of her red Audi on Cumbernauld Road, Glasgow more than three years ago.
She was offered a fixed penalty at the time but failed to pay.
She was due to go on trial at Glasgow’s Justice of the Peace court where she admitted her guilt.
Sheriff Allan Findlay gave her three points and 28 days to pay a £100 fine.
Procurator fiscal depute John Slowey told the court Hughes was spotted on October 7, 2013 and pulled over by police.
Defence lawyer Graham Bryson said: “Miss Hughes was not entirely sure she had been using her phone at the time.
“She checked her phone records which showed she had not made any calls but she cannot now discount the possibility someone called her.”
He added: “She has her own business, she can pay a financial penalty.”
Beauty salon owner Hughes failed to impress Lord Sugar on the second week of the current series.
He said: “For a potential business partner of mine you’ve been a bit quiet, you’ve not been pushing yourself forward. It is regretful that this is only the second week but Natalie, you’re fired.”
During the first episode Hughes swore under her breath.
She sold two vases for £15 that were worth £300.