Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling
Former Manchester City and Arsenal star Raheem Sterling could face prison after pleading guilty to dangerous driving while using nitrous oxide.
Sterling is currently without a club after leaving Dutch outfit Feyenoord in the summer and the England international's career is in major jeopardy. He became one of the most highly-regarded wingers in the Premier League during his time at City, but he has endured a nosedive after leaving the Etihad in the summer of 2022.
The 31-year-old joined Chelsea in a £47.5 million deal but failed to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge. He couldn't rediscover form during a loan spell at Arsenal and after becoming a free agent in January, he moved to the Eredivisie.
Sterling had still been contracted to Feyenoord when the incident involving using nitrous oxide while behind the wheel took place in May. He ended up crashing his £270,000 Lamborghini after recklessly driving on motorways.
Raheem Sterling Could be Jailed
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling
Sterling was arrested at the scene and appeared at Basingstoke magistrates court today (September 15th). He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, possession of a Class C drug and failing to provide a specimen.
The former Liverpool star has been disqualified from driving and bailed until November 25th and his sentence is set to be determined or referred to by the crown court. He could be jailed for all three charges and a maximum term is two years in prison for the former England international.
The Guardian claims that a 12 to 18 month sentence is considered more likely and this could be suspended with mitigation. As for his football career, even if he avoids jail time, he is facing a massive fight to save his career.
Witness Statements on Sterling's 'Horrendous' Driving
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling
Prosecutor Simon Jones told the court that a witness at the scene had “genuine concerns the driver might kill someone” while they described Sterling's driving as “absolutely horrendous." He added:
“As she moved past the vehicle she thought the airbag had been deployed, it was a large white deflated balloon. She had no idea if the driver could see ahead."
Sterling is shown swerving between lanes and almost hitting a central reservation in another witness' dashcam footage. Onlookers are reported to have seen the Englishman inhaling balloons while driving.
Jason Barfeld, his legal counsel, told the court that nitrous oxide use had become an issue for Sterling and that he's sought help to try to address the problem. He pointed out that the four-time Premier League champion has no prior cautions or criminal convictions.