Ferdinand plea over school run fails to get him off 85mph ban
FORMER footballer Rio Ferdinand was banned for speeding at 85mph – despite pleading to be allowed to drive his children to school.
The ex-England and Manchester United skipper had claimed his “profile” would not let him arrange for taxis for his kids.
He cited transport problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and said it was difficult for his pregnant wife to juggle different school starting times.
But a magistrate rejected his bid to be spared hardship, saying: “Covid has affected everyone.”
The star, now a BT Sport television pundit, was given a six-month ban and ordered to pay £822.
During yesterday’s hearing at Crawley Magistrates Court in West Sussex, Ferdinand also said his three children are still facing trauma over the death of their mother and gran two years apart.
Millionaire
Ferdinand had previously pleaded guilty to doing 85mph in his Mercedes on a 70mph stretch of the A27 near Hangleton, East Sussex, in July last year.
At the time he already had nine points on his licence and the latest offence took him to the limit of 12.
At the court hearing, for which he was dressed all in black, he argued for hardship circumstances to be taken into account for his punishment to be lessened.
His first wife Rebecca died of cancer in 2015 and his second wife Kate is now expecting their first child together.
Prosecutor Sharon Allen asked the star, of Orpington, south-east London, if his wife could drive.
He replied: “Yes, but it is very difficult with three children. The times are very different when they have to be there, one will be going one hour before the other.
“Normally we would have a school bus but now that is difficult because of Covid.” The lawyer then asked the millionaire footballer if he would consider paying for a chauffeur or a taxi.
Ferdinand said: “I wouldn’t let my kids get in a taxi. In normal situations I wouldn’t allow it because my profile doesn’t allow it.”
His lawyer Udo Onwere, himself a former pro footballer, said the deaths of Ferdinand’s wife and mother Janice had been had been an “extremely difficult period”.
Mr Onwere also said his client
NEW parents Sheridan Smith and Jamie Horn look delighted to be able to cuddle up and kid around during some rare time alone.
Actress and singer Sheridan, 39, posted the touching snap along with the caption “Date night” and a red heart emoji for her fiance, 30.
The couple, who welcomed son Billy in May, were both playing it casual with their outfits.
But fans were quick to say the picture was “gorgeous” – with some even saying Sheridan has “never looked better”.
It came after the Cilla and Royle Family actress wowed in a glittering gown at the weekend during the VJ Day celebrations.
Sheridan was part of the stellar line-up for the televised ceremony staged at Horse Guards Parade in central London.
She sang a tribute medley to Forces’ Sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn, who died in June aged 103, and described it as “a breathtaking event” she was proud to join. was very protective of his children and that Covid-19 had made it hard for him to transport them around.
Magistrate Geoffrey Allen said he had listened carefully but concluded: “Covid has affected everyone in the whole world in the same way.”
He ruled that Ferdinand had failed to convince him he met the criteria for a lighter sentence.
Ferdinand arriving at court yesterday, right, and pictured previously with car. Below, with second wife Kate. She is pregnant with their first child together