Given avoids speeding ban

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given escaped a driving ban in court today, after speeding in his luxury Bentley.

The out-of-favour Manchester City star had admitted driving at 75mph in a 50mph zone, in a letter to the court.

Given, 34, who was not in court, was also accused of failing to produce his driving licence but the charge was dropped during the hearing.

He was spotted by officers speeding down the Princess Parkway dual carriageway in Manchester on February 16.

He was issued with an on-the-spot fixed penalty notice by a traffic policeman, Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard.

However, he could not find his driving licence after moving from Newcastle to Manchester, Gwyn Lewis, representing Given, told the court.

The footballer has since located his licence and taken it to the police station, he said.

“It was 11.50pm at night, there was little traffic on the road.

“The officer felt it should be dealt with as if it was a fixed penalty notice and it was only an administration difficulty that stopped this happening,” he said.

Given was ordered to pay a £60 (€69.58) fine, £75 (€86.98) in costs and given four points on his licence.

He already has three points dating back to a speeding offence in April 2008.