Pompey star a point away from ban
Published Date:
06 October 2008
Court Reporter
Pompey star Djimi Traore has been spared a driving ban after he was caught going nearly 20mph over the speed limit.
Traore had to spend 20 minutes in a holding cell waiting to be sentenced after he handed himself in to police.
A warrant for the French defender's arrest was issued in June after he failed to attend court to face the speeding charge.
Traore was caught on camera driving his Chrysler at 48mph along Anglesea Road in Portsmouth on October 10, last year. The speed limit is 30mph.
The 28-year-old, who earns £26,000 a week, was supposed to attend court on June 23 because he already had eight points on his licence and faced a driving ban.
When he failed to show up, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest.
Traore handed himself in to Portsmouth Central Police Station on Wednesday – the day before Pompey's Uefa Cup victory – and was held in custody until he was sentenced at midday.
At Portsmouth Magistrates' Court he was ordered to pay a £400 fine and given three penalty points.
During the hearing Traore, who was dressed in a black leather jacket and jeans, told the court that he needed his licence to get to work and look after his family.
He said: 'It was a mistake. I have lived in England eight years and this is the first time I have been caught. I will not do it again.'
Deputy District Judge Maurice Champion originally gave Traore five penalty points under the mistaken belief that the defender had six points on his licence.
When the court clerk told the judge that Traore had eight points on his licence the judge reduced the number of points to three.
He said: 'You have 11 points now – one more and you are off the road.
'I have taken in to account that your summons was sent to the wrong address.'
Traore of Canford Cliffs, Sandbanks, was ordered to make a £50 contribution to prosecution costs.
It is the second time he
has got into trouble with the authorities. On November 7 last year, he paid nearly £2,000 on the spot with his credit card for his council tax arrears as bailiffs threatened to clamp his vehicle at the club's training ground.
The full article contains 389 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
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Last Updated:
06 October 2008 10:36 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Portsmouth