ONE OF the stars of classic children’s film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was disqualified from driving for a matter of minutes yesterday at Perth Sheriff Court.

Sheriff Robert McCreadie passed sentence on former child star Heather Ripley before solicitor Mike Tavendale pointed out legislation did not allow a ban.

Though Ripley (46), of Findhorn, Forres, had already left the court, the sheriff backtracked on a 12-month disqualification and instead gave her four penalty points.

She was also fined £175 after admitting driving without a proper licence on December 23 on the A9 Perth to Inverness road.

Depute fiscal Ann Hart earlier told the court, “The accused was driving erratically and the officers decided to do a police national computer check.

“It showed the accused had previously been banned from driving.

“This ban had elapsed and she had not reapplied for a licence.

“Therefore she had no valid licence to drive. She was cautioned and charged.”

The court was told Ripley had driver records at the DVLA in three different names and already had six penalty points.

Mr Tavendale said his client’s application for a new licence was lost in the post.

He said Ripley lives in East Grimsbybut spends long periods at Findhorn at an alternative lifestyle retreat.

During previous court proceedings Ripley failed to appear and a warrant was issued for her arrest.

She shot to fame while a school pupil in Dundee after being chosen from thousands of hopefuls to appear in the 1968 film, spending more than a year filming in England, France and Germany with star Dick Van Dyke.

She gave up acting after Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and is now a peace campaigner.