Chelsea star Wesley Fofana has escaped a jail term despite committing his ninth driving offence. The judge warned the 25-year-old that he needs to set an example for the youngsters who are looking up to him.
According to The Sun, Fofana was driving over the limit in a 50mph zone on the A3 Esher Bypass in Hook, Surrey. However, he has avoided a jail term, as he has no criminal record and was open to community service.
The Premier League star was already banned from driving until March 2027 and has now been handed another 18 months, with a requirement to complete 300 hours of community service. The Chelsea star was also ordered to pay £85 and £114 to the victims as costs and surcharges.
District Judge Julie Cooper said:
"You obviously realise there are a lot of young people who look up to you and they would like to be like you and follow you. That’s part of the whole gig. However, they will not be able to afford these expensive cars, with all their additions that keep them safe, and you could have some 17-year-old who has just passed their test, who thinks they can copy you."
"They will not be able to handle their car and do some ridiculous driving manoeuvres and they are dead. You need to be much more responsible about your behaviour."
Wesley Fofana has dealt with injury issues throughout his Chelsea career, and this season, he suffered a concussion, limiting his appearances to just five across all competitions.
Chelsea star did not want to make an excuse for driving over limit
Chelsea star Wesley Fofana, through his solicitor, did not want to make any excuse for driving over the limit and accepted the judgment. He voluntarily went for an interview at Guildford Police Station and apologized, as per the report.
His solicitor said:
"The video speaks for itself – 15 to 20 seconds of driving that are conceded. There is no explanation or excuse for his driving on that day. He attended voluntarily for an interview at Guildford Police Station and apologised for driving and said he had learned a valuable lesson about his driving and had no explanation for his driving on that day."
"This offence pre-dates the speeding offences, which were all within a seven-month period and tied-up at Lavender Hill. He is essentially of good character, having no criminal convictions against him. He is fit and healthy and able to carry out community work."
Wesley Fofana joined Chelsea from Leicester City for £70 million in 2022. He has played just 39 games for the Blues since.