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Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been handed a 56-day driving ban and fined £1,052 (approximately USD 1,299) following two separate speeding incidents within a span of three days. The 31-year-old English international was caught on camera driving his Range Rover at 85 mph in a 50 mph zone. The incident occurred in March 2024 as he was coming out of a tunnel on Wilmslow Road, situated beneath the runway of Manchester Airport. The footage showed Maguire violating the speed limit while navigating the road, which is notorious for heavy traffic and speed cameras.
Maguire, who has been a prominent figure in Manchester United’s defence and the England national team, appeared at Bolton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. He pleaded guilty to the speeding offence and was subsequently given the penalty. Despite being a high-profile figure, Maguire’s case underscores the importance of adhering to road safety rules, particularly in areas with a known risk for speeding violations. The ban and fine are a result of the player's admission of guilt and his actions over the past few months. The court decision highlights the legal consequences of driving offenses, no matter the individual’s stature or profession, and serves as a reminder for all drivers to remain cautious behind the wheel. Maguire’s penalty will restrict his ability to drive for the next couple of months, as he must now comply with the ruling issued by the court.
"Of course the speed is wholly excessive and I fully accept that," said Solicitor Gwyn Lewis.
"He was offered a speed awareness course but unfortunately because he was away from this country in the summer he wasn't able to take up the course," he added.
At the time of the March speeding offence, Harry Maguire already had three penalty points on his driving licence, which were related to a previous offence in 2021. Just two days after the first incident, on March 7, 2024, Maguire was caught speeding again, resulting in an additional three penalty points. As a consequence of these two speeding violations, the Manchester United defender was fined £666, along with £120 in court costs. He was also ordered to pay a £266 surcharge, bringing his total financial penalty to £1,052. The court took into account both incidents when determining the fine, as well as his prior driving record.
Maguire's latest speeding offences highlight the importance of adhering to road safety laws, even for high-profile individuals. The accumulation of penalty points and subsequent fines serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of reckless driving. Maguire’s driving ban and financial penalties reflect the seriousness of traffic offences, regardless of the individual’s public profile.