Former Manchester City and England winger Raheem Sterling has been banned from driving after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide and failing to provide a specimen following a road crash in Hampshire.
Sterling appeared before Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday over the incident, which occurred on May 28 and involved his Lamborghini Urus.
The 31-year-old admitted driving dangerously along the M25, M3, A327 and Minley Road before the vehicle left the road near the Minley Interchange during the morning rush hour.
The court heard that several motorists alerted police after seeing the vehicle being driven erratically. One witness reportedly saw Sterling swerving between lanes while inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon.
Police who searched the vehicle recovered six nitrous oxide canisters, including two large 670-gram canisters allegedly found on Sterling’s lap.
Officers also said Sterling failed a roadside impairment test and later refused to provide a blood sample after his arrest. During questioning, he reportedly admitted he “had a problem” with nitrous oxide.
No other vehicle was involved in the crash, and no injuries were reported.
The court disqualified Sterling from driving and granted him bail. He is expected to return to court on November 25 for sentencing. The offences carry a maximum prison sentence of two years.
Sterling is currently without a club after leaving Feyenoord at the end of last season. The former Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal winger won four Premier League titles during his successful spell at City but now faces uncertainty over both his football career and legal future.
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