Last updated at 15:54, Thursday, 05 February 2009

Former Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan has been banned from driving after being caught speeding near Carlisle following a “distressing” meeting with the club - just days before he quit.

Kevin Keegan

A court heard the football legend was “in turmoil” as he broke the limit on the A69 through Corby Hill on August 27, with a camera snapping him at 36mph in a 30mph zone.

Keegan, 57, of Hale, Altrincham, quit Newcastle United on September 4 after just eight months in charge in what was his second spell as manager of the Premiership giants.

He claimed in a statement at the time that a manager must have the right to manage.

The ex-England boss had already accumulated nine points on his licence before the hearing at Carlisle Magistrates Court.

Keegan, who did not appear in person before magistrates, passed the disqualification threshold with this latest offence - and was banned from driving for six months.

He had previously pleaded guilty by letter to a single speeding offence in his BMW.

Magistrates were told by the court clerk that Keegan had contacted the court and indicated he was not going to attend.

The clerk added Keegan, who starred for the England international side and clubs including Liverpool, SV Hamburg and Southampton during an illustrious playing career, would accept a six month disqualification.

In written mitigation to the court, it was said the A69 was a very difficult route “as it continually changes”.

The clerk added that Keegan’s partner had indicated: “He had just come out of a very distressing meeting with Newcastle United Football Club and his head was in turmoil. He is an excellent driver.”

Keegan had added he would accept any fine the court imposed.

Magistrates imposed three penalty points, disqualifying Keegan under the totting up process.

He was fined £750 and ordered to pay £35 costs.

First published at 15:16, Thursday, 05 February 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk