Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has been sentenced to a six-month driving ban following two separate driving convictions. The 51-year-old former player was convicted in his absence after failing to respond to prosecution notices for speeding incidents involving a Range Rover and a Mercedes.
Speeding Violations
Scholes's Range Rover was clocked at 37 mph in a 30 mph zone on March 3 on the A649 Halifax Road near Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire. West Yorkshire Police initiated a prosecution for this offense. Court documents indicate that Scholes could not be offered a speed awareness course due to existing penalty points on his license, classifying him as a 'totter' at risk of an automatic ban.
In a separate incident on November 14 last year, a Mercedes registered in Scholes's name was recorded traveling at 49 mph in a 30 mph zone on the A670 Mossley Road near Ashton-under-Lyne. Greater Manchester Police sent two letters to Scholes's address requesting confirmation of the driver, but received no response.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
The two cases were heard in private hearings under the Single Justice Procedure. On August 12, Bradford Magistrates' Court issued a six-month driving ban, a £220 fine, £120 in costs, and an £88 victim surcharge for the March speeding offense. The following day, Manchester Magistrates' Court sentenced Scholes for failing to reply to the police letters concerning the November speeding incident. For this, he received a £660 fine, six penalty points on his license, £120 in costs, and a £264 victim surcharge. Scholes did not enter pleas to the charges and was convicted without appearing in court.
Scholes had a decorated career playing 499 times for Manchester United, winning 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and two Champions League titles. He also earned 66 caps for the England national team.