David Beckham banned from driving for six months after admitting using phone at wheel

‘I take into account it was slow moving traffic but that's no excuse,’ judge says

David Beckham has been banned for driving for six months and given a £750 fine after he admitted to using his phone while driving in November.

During the hearing at Bromley Magistrates’ Court, the former England captain appeared and confirmed his name and west London address.

He had previously pleaded guilty to using his phone while driving in Great Portland Street, after being spotted and photographed by a member of the public.

He was given six points on his licence, and due to the existence of six previous points for two speeding offences, banned from the roads until November.

Prosecutor Matthew Spratt said Beckham was photographed by a member of public as he drove in “slowly moving” traffic while holding a phone.

He said: “Instead of looking straight forward, paying attention to the road, he appeared to be looking at his lap.”

He added: “He (the witness) says that the defendant was operating a handheld device at knee level. At that moment a photograph was taken.

“The defendant was holding the mobile phone in the upright position.”

Gerrard Tyrrell, mitigating, said his client was travelling slowly and has “no recollection of the day in question or this particular incident”.

He explained that Beckham liked driving and regularly drove his children to and from school when he could.

But he said: “There is no excuse for what took place, but his view is as he cannot remember... he’s going to plead guilty and that’s what he’s done.”

District Judge Catherine Moore said: “I take into account it was slow moving traffic but that’s no excuse.

“It still creates a risk to others. I disqualify you for six months and that starts immediately.”

On top of the ban and £750 fine, Beckham was also ordered to pay £100 to prosecution costs and a £75 surcharge fee within seven days.

Additional reporting by PA