Peaky Blinders actor Joe Cole pleads guilty to doing 24mph in a 20mph zone near Wandsworth Common

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026.

Joe Cole, who played John Shelby in Peaky Blinders, pleaded guilty last week to speeding near Wandsworth Common in south London after being caught doing 24mph in a 20mph zone on May 28. The 37-year-old, who also starred in Gangs of London and Black Mirror, admitted the offence via the single justice procedure. He blamed being abroad for work for missing the original fine notice and has declined to attend court in person.

Cole was caught at the wheel of a BMW 1 Series and wrote to the court: 'I have not received relevant documentation for me to pay the fine.'

A magistrate is now expected to determine his penalty in a private proceeding, with no court appearance required.

Cole was BAFTA-nominated for his Black Mirror episode 'Hang the DJ' and starred in Peaky Blinders from 2013 until his character was killed off in 2017.