Speedy winger Stephen Hunt misses court as Ipswich come first

Republic of Ireland international winger Stephen Hunt had an unique reason for not appearing in court to answer a speeding charge — he didn’t what it to affect his focus for the second leg of Ipswich Town’s Championship play-off semi-final against Norwich City.

Hunt is facing a charge of speeding his Mercedes at 89mph in an area with a 70mph limit on the A14 near Newmarket in September last year.

He had been due to attend Bury St Edmunds Magistrates’ Court, earlier this week but a letter read out from his solicitor said: “The position is a little complicated.

“We would ask the court to accept the apologies of both the solicitor and our client for not being present.

“He is a professional footballer and is currently fully focused on the Football Championship play-off his team are currently in.”

Hunt was willing to accept a fixed penalty notice but it was sent to his old address.The letter continued: “Since he did not receive the letter he could not reply to it. It was sent to him at his old address notifying him of the option of the fixed penalty.”

The case has now been adjourned. Hunt could face trial for the offence with a date to be set on June 8.

Meanwhile Hunt’s Ipswich team-mate Daryl Murphy has no worries facing the boo-boys of fierce local rivals Norwich in Saturday’s play-off semi-final second leg, having faced the wrath of Rangers fans when at Celtic.

“Ipswich is a massive club, but it’s not the goldfish bowl that Celtic and Sunderland are; especially Celtic. Up there you get hounded in the streets, if not from the Celtic fans then from the Rangers fans. Sometimes it’s not nice, especially when you’re out and about with your family and just trying to have some food. It can be a bit annoying."