Full Breakdown
Former England winger Raheem Sterling pleads guilty to dangerous driving
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident
On May 28, Raheem Sterling was involved in a single-vehicle collision while driving a Lamborghini Urus on the southbound M3 near the Minley interchange in Hampshire. The vehicle struck a metal gate and roadside infrastructure in a lay-by. No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported.
Background & Context
Sterling, 31, is a former England international with 82 caps and 20 goals. He has previously played for Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, and most recently completed a short-term contract with Dutch side Feyenoord before becoming a free agent. In the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours he was appointed an MBE for services to racial equality in sport.
Legal Proceedings
Sterling appeared before Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on September 15 and entered a guilty plea to three offences: dangerous driving, possession of six nitrous-oxide canisters for wrongful inhalation (a Class C drug), and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. The court granted him unconditional bail, disqualified him from driving pending further proceedings, and scheduled a further hearing for November 25.
Police Findings & Evidence
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary reported that the crash was the result of Sterling’s dangerous driving on the M25, M3, A327 and Minley Road. A roadside breath test was negative, and a preliminary drug test showed no cannabis or cocaine. However, laboratory analysis of a blood sample taken later indicated impairment, and Sterling refused to consent to a further specimen. Police also recovered six nitrous-oxide canisters from the passenger seat.
Data & Statistics
- Vehicle: Lamborghini Urus, valued at approximately £270,000.
- Nitrous-oxide: Six canisters, classified as a Class C drug.
- Driving record: Dangerous driving on multiple motorways before the crash.
- Casualties: No injuries and no other vehicles involved.
- Career stats: 82 England appearances, 20 goals; 396 Premier League appearances, 123 goals, 75 assists.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Simon Jones described Sterling’s conduct as “absolutely horrendous driving,” noting the vehicle swerved between lanes and entered the central reservation. The magistrates’ court, after hearing the evidence, imposed a driving disqualification and set a future hearing date. Police reiterated that the incident involved a single vehicle and that no members of the public were harmed.
Impact and Implications
Dangerous driving carries a statutory maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment. While sentencing has not yet been determined, the conviction adds a criminal record and may affect Sterling’s prospects of signing with a new club. The case also highlights law-enforcement concerns about drug-related driving offences among high-profile individuals.
What’s Next
Sterling is due to appear again in court on November 25, when a judge will consider sentencing and any further penalties. Until then, he remains disqualified from driving.