Former England footballer Raheem Sterling pleaded guilty to dangerous driving following a motorway crash in Hampshire in May. The 31-year-old, who is currently without a club, appeared at Basingstoke magistrates’ court on Tuesday where the court heard details of erratic and hazardous driving involving Sterling’s £270,000 Lamborghini Urus.
The incident began in West London in the early hours of May 28, when Sterling was first observed driving erratically near a McDonald's in Hayes while holding a deflated pink balloon. Hours later, during the morning rush on the M25, witnesses reported seeing Sterling swerving between lanes, often approaching other vehicles closely and holding a large laughing gas balloon which he appeared to be inhaling. One driver, Christopher Jennings, reported the behavior to police, describing it as reckless and dangerous under heavy traffic conditions.
Additional witnesses on the M3 motorway southbound near Farnborough also described Sterling’s driving as highly dangerous. He was seen abruptly changing lanes, slamming brakes suddenly, and weaving across lanes while accelerating and braking inconsistently. Several motorists reported having to brake sharply to avoid collisions, while some said Sterling’s driving posed a serious risk to other road users. One witness noted a large white balloon was obstructing Sterling’s view through the windscreen.
Sterling’s driving continued for over an hour across the M25 and M3, eventually ending near Junction 4A Minley, where he collided with a sign or metal gate after exiting the motorway. The car sustained four blown-out tires and visible scratches. Police found six nitrous oxide canisters inside the vehicle, and footage showed Sterling holding an inflated balloon at the time of the crash.
Following the arrest, Sterling failed several impairment tests and did not provide a clear answer when asked for a blood sample, which the prosecution described as a deliberate refusal. At questioning later that day, Sterling admitted to driving the car, stating he had not slept all night and felt tired and confused. He also disclosed to custody staff that he had a problem with nitrous oxide, a Class C drug commonly known as laughing gas.
Sterling’s legal team contested the level of damage sustained by the vehicle and claimed there was confusion regarding the failure to provide a specimen. The court was informed that the starting point for sentencing would be 18 months’ imprisonment, potentially reduced to 12 months due to early guilty pleas, with the possibility of the sentence being suspended. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for November 25. Sterling was granted unconditional bail and received an interim driving ban.
Raheem Sterling rose to prominence after joining Liverpool’s academy at age 15 and went on to win numerous titles with Manchester City. He has earned 82 caps for England, scoring 20 goals. Sterling is engaged to childhood partner Paige Milian, with whom he has two children, and also has a daughter from a previous relationship.