Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire has been banned from driving for 56 days after being caught speeding on two separate occasions within the span of just three days.
The incidents, which involved his £200,000 Range Rover SV, resulted in a fine of over £1,000 and have placed the football star under scrutiny both on and off the pitch.
The first incident occurred on March 5 last year when Maguire was clocked driving at 85mph in a 50mph zone near Manchester Airport. This was just two days after Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat to city rivals Manchester City in the Premier League. Only days later, on March 7, Maguire was once again caught exceeding the speed limit, this time driving at 68mph in a 60mph zone on the A616 near Sheffield, his hometown.
The defender, who earns £190,000 a week, faced charges for both offences in Bolton Magistrates’ Court. His legal representative, Gwyn Lewis, highlighted that Maguire had already accrued three points on his licence from a 2021 speeding incident and had been offered a speed awareness course in September for the March 7 violation. However, Maguire was unable to attend the course as he was out of the country on holiday.
Mr. Lewis acknowledged the severity of the offences, describing Maguire’s speed as “obviously excessive.” He noted that while the March 5 offence took place in a tunnel near Manchester Airport without pedestrian traffic, the 85mph speed in a 50mph zone warranted judicial discretion.
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Chair of the bench, Mark Hardman, imposed the 56-day driving ban and ordered Maguire to pay £1,052 in fines and court costs. Hardman explained the court’s decision to exercise discretion, citing Maguire’s inability to complete the speed awareness course due to being abroad at the time.
Maguire Yet to Comment
While Maguire was not legally required to attend the hearing in person, his absence was addressed by his solicitor, who assured the court that it was not intended as disrespect. Maguire, a high-profile figure both for his on-field performances and off-field controversies, has yet to comment publicly on the driving ban.
The Range Rover SV involved in both incidents is an eight-speed automatic vehicle capable of accelerating from 0 to 60mph in just 5.8 seconds, with a top speed of 150mph. Maguire’s speeding offences have drawn criticism for their timing and nature, especially given his previous record and the ongoing scrutiny of his performances on the pitch.
This driving ban adds to a challenging year for the defender, whose career at Manchester United has faced ups and downs. Despite these incidents, Maguire continues to train with his team and remains a part of Gareth Southgate’s plans for England.
Maguire’s case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities associated with public figures and the potential consequences of failing to adhere to legal and societal expectations. The ban, while temporary, underscores the importance of accountability, even for individuals at the pinnacle of sport.
As Maguire steps away from driving for the next two months, the focus will inevitably shift back to his contributions on the field. However, the lingering questions about his decision-making off it may take longer to fade.