Footballer Norris fined for motoring offence

A footballer who celebrated a goal by making a gesture in support of a friend jailed for killing two children in a car crash has been prosecuted for a motoring offence, it was disclosed today.

Ipswich midfielder David Norris, 28, was fined £400 yesterday after admitting driving while using a mobile phone.

A spokeswoman for South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court, in Ipswich, said Norris had pleaded guilty to the offence by post.

Norris faced criticism in November last year after scoring a goal in his side's Coca-Cola Championship match against Blackpool.

While celebrating, he appeared to make a handcuffs sign in support of his friend and former team-mate Luke McCormick, who was jailed for causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving.

Arron Peak, 10, and his eight-year-old brother, Ben, died instantly in the crash on the M6 in Staffordshire, while their father, Phil, suffered serious injuries.

A spokesman for Ipswich Town said: "It's a private matter that has been dealt with by the court."

Norris, of Ipswich, had three points added to his licence, was ordered to pay £46 costs and £15 to victims of crime, the court spokeswoman said.

She said he was stopped in Ipswich town centre on September 8 - exactly two months before the match at Blackpool.

Sources said Norris had initially intended to fight the allegation after saying he was drinking from a water bottle at the time of the incident. He also claimed his mobile phone had been attached to a hands-free kit.

But following the criticism he faced in November, Norris decided to accept the penalty and wrote a letter of mitigation to the court, the sources said.