Giovana Gelhoren
Updated on: October 9, 2024 5:05 am GMT
Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff Face Court Over Uninsured Driving Case
Retired rugby star Ben Cohen and his long-time partner, professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff, appeared in Northampton Crown Court on September 6, 2024, as they grapple with serious financial issues while trying to uphold their relationship and family life. Rihanoff was in court to appeal a conviction for driving without insurance after she was caught behind the wheel of her £30,000 Audi Q3, prompting Cohen to express deep concerns about their financial situation and personal relationship.
Details of the Incident
Rihanoff, 46, found herself facing six points on her driving license following an incident on April 4 in Horsemarket, Northampton. The court heard that her partner, Cohen, had been responsible for ensuring that she was properly insured. During the hearing, Rihanoff, addressing the court under her birth name, Kristina Pchenitchnykh, struggled emotionally, and at one point asked to leave the courtroom, citing feelings of sickness.
As the couple parents to eight-year-old daughter Milena, their relationship has been under strain, primarily due to the financial repercussions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Cohen explained the couple had been battling significant debts, describing a situation where he was “fighting not to lose everything” — from their home to their cars and personal relationships, revealing how difficult their financial reality has become.
Insurance Policy Miscommunication
During the proceedings, Cohen admitted to ignoring a critical text from their insurance provider, Dial Direct, that warned of an impending cancellation due to Cohen’s failure to provide necessary no-claims details. Cohen explained he had been searching for a cheaper insurance policy after receiving a staggering quotation of £7,500 from Aviva. In the process, he had taken out a new policy on February 22, but due to the lack of response regarding the previous no-claims issue, their policy was canceled by March 7.
Unbeknownst to Rihanoff, she was driving uninsured when she was pulled over weeks later. Cohen explained that he hadn’t checked the company’s guidelines regarding the no-claims submission, stating, “I 100 percent did not know that policy would be cancelled because the no-claims information they’d been asking for wasn’t relevant to me.” When asked if he had received any additional correspondence, he admitted, “I wasn’t aware.”
Emotional Toll and Financial Strain
The emotional and financial toll on both Cohen and Rihanoff became a central theme during the court session. Cohen, overwhelmed by the mounting issues, shared openly, “I’ve got credit cards that are overdrawn. I’m overdrawn in both accounts. We have got a business debt because of COVID. It’s just another problem.” The couple’s yoga studio had been one of the many casualties affected by the pandemic, contributing to their ongoing financial struggles.
Response from the Court
While the court acknowledged the couple’s genuine belief in their insurance coverage, Recorder Louise Cox ultimately ruled against Rihanoff’s appeal. She expressed sympathy for the difficulties they faced but emphasized that Rihanoff should have ensured her driving was covered before getting behind the wheel.
Rihanoff was ordered to pay £357 in costs, along with the six penalty points, which put her at risk of a driving ban. The difficult court hearing left her in tears, reflecting the stress and anxiety surrounding their current life circumstances.
A Relationship Under Pressure
Cohen, 45, who was previously married before beginning a relationship with Rihanoff after they were paired on the reality show “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2013, has been candid about the pressure their relationship has been under due to financial pressures. In earlier interviews, he noted that the challenges they have faced together in business have ultimately tested their bond.
Despite these hurdles, Cohen expressed a commitment to navigating the struggles as a united front. He described feeling the strain of co-managing their work and home life, saying, “We’re still living together. We’re in it financially. We’re in business together, so the problem is…this is just another problem for me to deal with.”
Future Prospects
While facing these public struggles, the couple remains focused on their future. Cohen has mentioned plans for a family-oriented wedding, expressing optimism about their journey together. The couple intends for their daughter Milena, along with Cohen’s twin daughters from his previous marriage, to play significant roles on their big day.
As they navigate legal and financial challenges, Cohen and Rihanoff continue to fight not just for their financial stability, but also for their relationship, underscoring the resilience needed in challenging times. In a world of public scrutiny, their situation provides a poignant reflection on the complexities faced by couples in the spotlight.
For further insight on legal responsibilities when it comes to auto insurance, viewers may explore Insurance.com’s guide.
When the court case ended, it was clear that Cohen and Rihanoff know the road ahead will be tough. But they are ready to face the challenges together.
