Sarah Harding has been given a six-month driving ban.

The Girls Aloud singer picked up the punishment today (April 16) after pleading guilty to driving whilst using a mobile phone on April 4.

She has also been fined £500 and was ordered to pay £105 in other costs as the Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court made their verdict.

Harding, who already had nine points on her licence for speeding tickets, was seen making a phone call whilst driving in central London earlier this month.

Her lawyer argued that she was lost after finishing up a business meeting.

Harding said in a statement after her verdict: "Too many people use their mobile phone whilst driving and think its acceptable. It is not. Every year people die or are seriously injured because they were distracted making that 'oh so important call'. Mobile phones are a convenient tool for modern life but they must be used safely. I made a mistake by using my phone whilst driving, but I was lucky. I accept the courts penalty but it could have been a lot worse. I have learned my lesson."