Former England international Raheem Sterling faces a possible prison sentence after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide and failing to provide a breath specimen following a road crash in Hampshire.
The 31-year-old footballer appeared before Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday over a May 28 incident involving his Lamborghini.
Key Highlights
- Raheem Sterling pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and other offences.
- Prosecutors said he was inhaling nitrous oxide while driving.
- Six nitrous oxide canisters were reportedly found in his possession.
- The court heard motorists raised concerns about his erratic driving.
- Sterling was handed an interim driving ban.
- Sentencing was adjourned until November 25, with imprisonment among the options available to the court.
Sterling Admits Dangerous Driving Offences
The court heard that Sterling had been driving erratically during the morning rush hour before losing control of his Lamborghini and crashing into a metal gate after travelling along the M25 and M3.
Prosecutors alleged that Sterling had been inhaling nitrous oxide from balloons while driving. Several motorists reportedly contacted emergency services after observing his behaviour on the road.
Six canisters containing nitrous oxide were reportedly found. Two were allegedly discovered on Sterling’s lap, while another four were found inside the vehicle alongside a deflated balloon.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, became a controlled Class C drug in the United Kingdom in 2023 when possessed for recreational inhalation.
Motorists Reported Erratic Driving
The court was told that motorists observed Sterling repeatedly swerving between lanes and driving close to other vehicles, forcing some drivers to brake or take evasive action.
One motorist reportedly followed Sterling for about 30 minutes before contacting police at 7:45am. Other calls were subsequently made to different police forces.
Another motorist described his driving as “absolutely horrendous”, alleging that Sterling repeatedly moved between lanes while inhaling from a balloon.
The prosecution also presented evidence of an earlier incident. An emergency call was reportedly made at about 1:10am after Sterling was allegedly seen driving at excessive speed at a McDonald’s drive-through in Hayes, north London, while apparently inhaling from a balloon.
Sterling later told police that he had inhaled nitrous oxide at about 11pm the previous night.
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Court Considers Possible Jail Sentence
Following his arrest, Sterling was taken to Basingstoke police station, where officers reportedly described him as tired, confused, quiet and lethargic. He allegedly told officers that he had not slept throughout the night.
His defence lawyer, Jason Bartfeld KC, argued that Sterling’s condition was partly attributable to the air conditioning at the police station.
District Judge Kirsty Allman adjourned the case until November 25 and said all sentencing options remained open, including imprisonment.
Sterling’s lawyers are expected to argue that his early guilty plea should be taken into account and that he could receive a suspended sentence rather than immediate imprisonment.
Prosecutors, however, pointed to aggravating factors linked to the dangerous-driving allegations, including the reported length of the incident, the potential danger to other road users and the alleged continued use of a prohibited substance.
Sterling was also handed an interim driving ban. The case could potentially be transferred to Winchester Crown Court, which has greater sentencing powers.
Sterling’s Football Career
The legal proceedings come during a difficult period in Sterling’s football career. The former Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea winger is currently a free agent after spending the second half of last season with Feyenoord.
Sterling won four Premier League titles with Manchester City and earned 82 England caps, representing the country at three World Cups. He last played for England in 2022.
He has also received an MBE for his contribution to racial equality and was previously recognised as one of the leading young players in world football.
Sterling has no previous criminal convictions. Court listings and updates on the case are published through the UK court and tribunal service.
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