Keegan gets driving ban after speeding
Feb 6 2009 by Ben Guy, The Journal
FORMER Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan has been banned from driving after speeding away from stressful crunch talks with club bosses.
Carlisle magistrates heard yesterday how Keegan’s head was in ‘turmoil’ following the top-level meeting with the St James’s Park hierarchy.
The 57-year-old was caught speeding last August just days before leaving the club as manager for a second time.
Keegan, who now lives in Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire, was clocked by roadside laser equipment. He had been driving his BMW at 36mph in a 30 zone through Corby Hill, near Carlisle, Cumbria.
The offence, just after midday on August 27, followed talks with United bosses about the future of the club. In a statement, read out by court clerk Andrew Jackson, Keegan said: “The A69 is a very difficult road in terms of speed restrictions as it continually changes.”
His partner then went on to blame his excess speed on his state of mind.
Reading out a statement from his partner, Mr Jackson said: “He had just come out of a very stressful meeting with Newcastle United Football Club and his head was in turmoil. He is an excellent driver.”
Keegan was due to attend court yesterday having previously pleaded guilty to the offence, but he failed to show up, choosing instead to contact the court to tell them he accepted that he would be disqualified.
Mr Jackson added: “He accepts that he will probably be unsuccessful in claiming exceptional hardship.”
At the time of the offences, Keegan had nine points on his licence, which the court was told would come off at various times this year.
Magistrates banned him from the roads for six months under the totting up rule.
A further three points were added to his licence and he was fined £750 and ordered to pay £50 court costs. The magistrates heard how Keegan was “in no way pleading poverty” and could pay any fine that was imposed.
