Raheem Sterling admits dangerous driving and nitrous oxide offence

Raheem Sterling has admitted dangerous driving after crashing his Lamborghini into motorway barriers in Hampshire in May, while also pleading guilty to possessing nitrous oxide for unlawful inhalation.

The 31-year-old, who is from Berkshire, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court, where he admitted driving dangerously and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

Sterling was arrested after a single-vehicle collision on the southbound M3 near the Minley interchange on the morning of 28 May. Hampshire Police said no other vehicles were involved and that nobody was injured.

The former England winger admitted driving a Lamborghini Urus dangerously on the M25, M3 and A327, as well as Minley Road, before the crash. He was also found to have six canisters of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, which is a Class C drug when possessed for the purpose of unlawful inhalation.

Sterling has won 82 caps for England, with his most recent appearance coming at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Dangerous driving can carry a maximum prison sentence of two years if a person is convicted, according to previous reports in the English media. Possession of nitrous oxide could also result in a prison sentence of up to two years, although fines or community service are more commonly imposed.

Sterling most recently played for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie after leaving Chelsea in January, but made only eight appearances in the Netherlands. He is currently without a club.

During his four years with Chelsea, including a full-season loan spell at Arsenal, Sterling played 59 Premier League matches. He joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022.

Sterling began his professional career at Liverpool before moving to Manchester City in 2015. He won four Premier League titles with Manchester City.