Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been disqualified from driving for 56 days and fined £1,052 after admitting to speeding at 85mph in a 50mph zone. The 31-year-old footballer, who did not appear at Bolton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, was represented by his solicitor, Gwyn Lewis.
Incident details
The court heard that Maguire was caught driving his Range Rover at 85mph on Wilmslow Road, a dual carriageway under Manchester Airport’s runway, on March 5 last year. The speeding offence was captured on camera, and prosecutor Karen Allanson confirmed that Maguire, as the registered keeper, admitted to being the driver.
Ms Allanson stated that the speed exceeded the limit for a fixed penalty, necessitating court proceedings. Maguire pleaded guilty to the offence on October 2.
Solicitor’s representation
Mr Lewis acknowledged the severity of the speeding offence, describing the speed as “wholly excessive.” He assured the court that Maguire, a “wealthy individual,” would pay the fine within 28 days.
In explaining Maguire’s absence, Mr Lewis emphasised that his client meant no disrespect by not attending court, adding: “The fact is, he is a public figure. He is a footballer.”
The court also heard that Maguire’s offence occurred on a dual carriageway without a pavement.
Previous offences
The March 5 incident was not Maguire’s only speeding offence. Two days later, on March 7, he was caught speeding again, for which he received three penalty points on his licence. Additionally, he had three existing penalty points from an earlier offence on March 16, 2021.
Although Maguire was offered a speed awareness course for the March 7 offence, he was unable to attend due to being abroad during the summer.
Court ruling
Chairman of the bench, Mark Hardman, exercised discretion in Maguire’s case, acknowledging his inability to attend the speed awareness course due to international travel. Maguire was fined £666, ordered to pay £120 in court costs, and a £266 victim surcharge, amounting to a total of £1,052.
Mr Hardman also imposed a 56-day driving ban, sparing Maguire from a longer disqualification, which would have been imposed had six penalty points been added to his licence.
More Read
Legal advice
Mr Lewis informed the court that he had already advised Maguire not to drive. The hearing, which lasted approximately 20 minutes, was attended by five members of the press.
Football career
Maguire, originally from Sheffield, joined Manchester United in 2019 for a record-breaking transfer fee for a defender. He served as the club’s captain from 2020 to 2023. Despite recent on-field challenges, including missing a key opportunity against Liverpool at the weekend, Manchester United confirmed last week that they would trigger a contract extension to keep Maguire at the club for another season.
Public reaction
The incident has drawn mixed reactions from fans and commentators. While some emphasise the importance of holding public figures accountable for their actions, others expressed frustration at the leniency of the sentence.
Maguire’s case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with fame, both on and off the pitch. With his driving ban now in place, the footballer will need to rely on alternative arrangements for travel as he focuses on his career with Manchester United.
