Raheem Sterling breaks silence on driving offences after court appearance | OneFootball

Raheem Sterling has spoken publicly after pleading guilty to serious driving offences, the former Manchester City and England winger posting "Progress over perfection" on Instagram after a court appearance over a May incident.

According to Goal.com, the 31-year-old admitted dangerous driving, possessing nitrous oxide and failing to provide a specimen at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, after a crash in Hampshire on 28 May.

Motorists had reported him driving erratically on the M25 and M3 before his Lamborghini Urus hit a metal gate. Police later found the damaged vehicle near the Minley interchange.

Officers recovered six nitrous oxide canisters. Bodycam footage appeared to show Sterling seated with canisters and a deflated balloon on his lap, then moving them towards the back seat.

Roadside testing did not indicate alcohol, cannabis or cocaine. Sterling declined to give a blood sample, insisting his solicitor be present despite being told the investigation could not be delayed.

He later said he was tired and confused after a sleepless night. His barrister, Jason Bartfeld KC, cited extensive personal mitigation and said Sterling had taken voluntary steps to address his difficulties.

Once a 2014 Golden Boy and a serial winner at Manchester City, Sterling later endured underwhelming spells with Chelsea and Arsenal, then made eight appearances for Feyenoord before becoming a free agent. The case has been adjourned until November for pre-sentence reports, when he will learn his punishment.

He remains without a club, and his legal situation and recent form could complicate any move.

Source: Goal.com

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