Ant, 42, pleaded guilty to drink-driving as he appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
The charge stated he had 75 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millimetres of breath – the legal limit is 35 micrograms per 100 millimetres of breath.
The Ant and Dec star was arrested around 4pm on March 18 after failing to pass a roadside breathalyser following a car crash.
The court heard Ant’s apology yesterday, as the star said: “I am very sorry I did this. I am ashamed and morbid that this happened.
“I accept full capability for this and wish to apologise to all those concerned.”
As a result, Ant was given a £86,000 fine to pay as well as a 20-month driving ban.
However, former politician George slammed the decision, saying his punishment isn’t strong enough.
He appeared on The Wright Stuff earlier today, telling host Matthew Wright: “I’m still slightly troubled by the notion. Someone does a crime. Surely it’s the crime that we punish not the person’s success or otherwise.”
George added: “It didn’t make my eyes water at all, no.
“I thought he’d be sent to prison.”
Matthew hit back, saying prison seemed a little harsh for a first offence.
George, 63, responded: “Yes, but it was quite the offence.”
Matthew defended with Ant’s guilty plea, but it wasn’t enough for George.
The former Labour MP added: “Yes but it was quite an offence – it was double, not over the limit, but double the limit, during the daytime with his mother in the back of the car.
“The cost of the accident could have been tremendous.
“There could have been children very seriously harmed, maybe even killed.”
This marked a stark contrast to the way Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby addressed the matter on This Morning.
Holly said: “Yesterday our friend and ITV colleague Ant McPartlin pleaded guilty to drink driving charges and was given a 20-month driving ban and fined £86,000.”
After reading out Ant’s statement, Phillip added: “And we’re sending out love to everyone that was involved in the crash.”
The Wright Stuff airs weekdays on Channel 5 at 9.15am.
