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Keegan given six-month driving ban
5 Feb 2009Former England manager Kevin Keegan was today banned from driving for six months after he was caught speeding.
Keegan, 57, reached the legal maximum of 12 points on his licence when he was clocked travelling at 36mph in a 30mph zone.
It was thought Keegan may put forward special circumstances in order to keep himself behind the wheel but he did not contest the suspension imposed by Carlisle magistrates.
Keegan, who did not attend court, previously pleaded guilty by post to the offence committed on August 27.
The ex-Newcastle United boss, from Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire, was clocked by a laser device on the A69 near Carlisle.
He resigned from his second spell in charge of the Premier League club a week later.
The court was told he was caught speeding after coming out of a "stressful meeting" with the club and "his head was in turmoil".
Keegan was involved in behind-the-scenes arguments with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley at the time of the offence.
He was captured on camera speeding in his BMW in the village of Corby Hill at around 12.40pm.
In a letter to the court, Keegan said the A69 was a difficult road "in terms of the speed restrictions, as it continually changes".
His partner added in the letter: "He had just come out of a stressful meeting with Newcastle United Football Club and his head was in turmoil.
"He is an excellent driver."
Keegan also wrote that he would not attend the hearing because he accepted he had little chance in successfully claiming hardship and so accepted the suspension.
Magistrates were told he already had nine points on his licence, which were due to come off at various points this year.
Keegan added that he "could in no way plead poverty" and would be able to pay whatever fine the court saw fit.
Magistrates fined him £750 and also ordered him to pay £35 costs and a £15 victim surcharge to the court.
