Football Legend Paul Scholes Receives Six-Month Driving Ban Following Dual Speeding Convictions
Manchester, UK – Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes, a household name in the world of football, has been hit with a six-month road ban after accumulating two driving convictions within a mere two days. The 51-year-old, known for his illustrious playing career, was also ordered to pay fines, costs, and court fees totalling a substantial £1,472.
The motoring offences came to light through private hearings conducted under the Single Justice Procedure, where Scholes did not enter pleas to either of the charges and was convicted in his absence.
The first incident, which occurred in March, saw Scholes’s Range Rover caught speeding at 37mph in a 30mph zone during a late-night drive through Cleckheaton in West Yorkshire. West Yorkshire Police initiated prosecution after the vehicle was clocked on the A649 Halifax Road, just after 11:30 PM on March 3rd. Court documents confirm that Scholes responded to a notice of intended prosecution, acknowledging he was the driver. Due to existing penalty points on his licence, Scholes was deemed a "totter," precluding him from an out-of-court settlement such as a speed awareness course and leading to an automatic ban.
The second offence dates back to November of last year, involving a Mercedes registered in Scholes’s name. Greater Manchester Police identified the vehicle travelling at 49mph in a 30mph zone on the A670 Mossley Road near Ashton-under-Lyne at 11:10 AM on November 14th. Initially facing a speeding allegation, the prosecution later pivoted to pursuing charges against Scholes for failing to respond to two police letters requesting confirmation of the driver’s identity. Police records indicate that "no reply has been received" to these crucial inquiries.
The two criminal cases concluded in separate court hearings last week. On August 12th, at Bradford Magistrates’ Court, Scholes received the six-month driving ban for the speeding offence in West Yorkshire. He was also fined £220, ordered to pay £120 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £88. The following day, Manchester Magistrates’ Court handed down a £660 fine, six penalty points for his licence, £120 in costs, and a £264 victim surcharge for failing to respond to police communications regarding the second speeding incident.
Paul Scholes boasts an extraordinary footballing career, having made 499 appearances for Manchester United and earned 66 caps for England. His trophy cabinet includes an impressive 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cup wins, and two Champions League triumphs, cementing his status as one of English football’s most decorated players. However, these recent legal troubles serve as a stark reminder that even sporting legends are not exempt from road traffic regulations.
