Former England footballer Raheem Sterling admits dangerous driving and nitrous oxide offence

LONDON: Former England footballer Raheem Sterling has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and possession of nitrous oxide following a Lamborghini crash in Hampshire in May.

The 31-year-old appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where he admitted driving a Lamborghini Urus dangerously across the M25, M3, A327 and Minley Road before the vehicle crashed on May 28. He also admitted possessing six nitrous oxide canisters for wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

The court heard that several members of the public contacted police after seeing the black Lamborghini being driven erratically during the morning of the incident. Witnesses reportedly saw the vehicle moving between lanes, while one witness said Sterling appeared to be inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon while driving.

The journey ended when the Lamborghini crashed on the M3 southbound near the Minley Interchange. Police said no other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported. The crash caused substantial damage to the vehicle.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a Class C controlled drug in the UK when possessed for wrongful inhalation. Police recovered six canisters from Sterling’s vehicle, according to the court proceedings.

Sterling was also charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis after the incident. His guilty pleas covered all three offences heard at Tuesday’s hearing.

The former Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal forward has 82 England caps and scored 20 international goals. He was also part of England squads at three World Cups and two European Championships.

Sterling is currently without a club after a short spell with Dutch side Feyenoord. His most recent Premier League contract with Chelsea was terminated earlier this year.

The court has disqualified Sterling from driving, while sentencing has been scheduled for November 25.