Paul Merson banned from driving and hit with heavy fine for four speeding offences

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has been hit with a driving ban. (Image: Getty)

Former Arsenal footballer and current Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has been banned from driving for six months after he was caught speeding four times. He pled guilty in Guildford Magistrates Court at a disqualification hearing but was unable to avoid having his licence taken away and a heavy fine.

Related articles Paul Merson scolds Sir Jim Ratcliffe in fiery rant as Man Utd humbled by Fulham Paul Merson demands Premier League rule change as Chelsea face Gallagher exit

After receiving 12 penalty points, Merson was also fined £2,640, must pay a victim surcharge of £1,056 and prosecution costs of £110 within 28 days.

Chief Magistrate Joan Lindsay admitted that the former Gunners playmaker's previous driving record was “not great” and warned him: “You mustn’t drive on any UK road once you leave court.”

He was caught speeding 47mph in a 40mph limit on the A316 Great Chertsey Road in Feltham, south west London, on September 9, and clocked once again on the same road just two days later.

function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)} window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports

Paul Merson is one of Sky Sports' leading football pundits. (Image: Getty)

The 21-cap former England international was later caught seven mph over the speed limit in Sunbury on October 1, three offences within a month. Merson was already facing a punishment for driving 60mph in a 50mph limit on the M3 at Thorpe, Surrey, on February 27 last year.

The Guildford court heard he already had amassed nine points on his driving licence for speeding twice in 2021 and once in 2022, as defending barrister Nicholas Maggs claimed that the new offences were "relatively modest" speeds and the driving ban will have a "substantial" effect on Merson's life as his wife doesn't drive.

Don't miss...
Jack Grealish fined £666 for speeding despite Man City star earning £43k a day [LATEST]
Paul Merson told off after claiming Sky Sports could determine title race [REACTION]
Paul Merson fires 'League Two' dig at Erik ten Hag and calls out Bruno Fernandes [ANALYSIS]

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

READ MORE Man Utd and Liverpool leave Paul Merson with egg on his face in dull stalemate

“On his behalf, I wish to put forward his remorse for these offences," Maggs said. "He accepts it’s not acceptable.

“Through me he apologises to the court for finding himself before the court and finding himself disqualified for driving. It’s going to make things substantially more difficult."

The barrister then brought up Merson's openness regarding his previous alcohol, gambling and drug addictions as an indication of the 56-year-old's positive character and willingness to help others.

He explained: “I’m sure the court will appreciate Mr Merson experienced a number of difficulties in his younger life and has now chosen to use these positively through unpaid speaking events to help younger people from suffering mental health problems.”

MORE TO FOLLOW

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport - the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account - providing real news in real time.

We're also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport - offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.

Related articles Stelling tells off Merson as Sky Sports pundit apologises during Everton game Fuming Paul Merson told to 'calm down' shouting at Mike Dean