Raheem Sterling due in court over alleged dangerous driving and laughing gas offences

Raheem Sterling could face a prison sentence after being charged with dangerous driving and possession of nitrous oxide following a crash on the M3 in Hampshire.

The former Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea forward was arrested in May 2026 after he was filmed driving his £270,000 Lamborghini before it collided with the central reservation at about 09:00 on the southbound motorway.

Sterling, 31, has also been accused of failing to provide a specimen after his arrest. He is due to appear at court on 15 September, according to the Telegraph.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: “Raheem will appear in court next month facing charges in relation to a collision on the M3.”

The spokesperson added: “Raheem Sterling, 31, from Berkshire, has been charged with dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for unlawful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen.”

The charges relate to a single-vehicle collision involving a Lamborghini on the southbound M3 near Junction 4 at Minley on 28 May 2026.

Dangerous driving carries a maximum prison sentence of two years if a defendant is convicted. Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is classified as a Class C drug when possessed for unlawful inhalation.

Possession of the substance can also result in a maximum sentence of two years in prison, although fines or community service are more common penalties.

Sterling was released on bail following his arrest.

The England international has been without a club since leaving Chelsea and completing a spell with Feyenoord at the end of last season. His short stay in the Netherlands came after he had spent most of the campaign without a team, following the end of his relationship with Chelsea.

Sterling joined Manchester City from Liverpool in 2015 and enjoyed the most successful period of his career at the club. He won four Premier League titles, five League Cups and the FA Cup during his time at City.

He moved to Chelsea in 2022, but the transfer was followed by a significant decline in his form. A loan move to Arsenal two seasons ago did not lead to a permanent deal, despite the backing of then-Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who had previously worked with Sterling at Manchester City.

Sterling remained without a club this season until February, when he joined Feyenoord on a short-term trial in the Eredivisie.

At international level, Sterling has won 82 caps for England and appeared at three World Cups. His most recent appearance for his country came at the 2022 World Cup.

He was named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year and won the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year award in 2019.