Footballer Cole faces ban for 105mph drive

The 28-year-old Liverpool player, who already has six points on his licence, was driving his Audi A4 on a dual carriageway in Surrey when a police officer spotted him.

He trained his laser device on the black car and it showed Cole driving at 105mph, Staines Magistrates Court heard.

The footballer, who did not attend court, denied speeding on the A3 Esher bypass at Claygate, but District Judge Clive Wiles found him guilty.

The judge warned that he faces disqualification and expressed irritation at his absence, plus Cole's failure to produce his driving licence. Sentencing was adjourned until August 27.

A recording of the incident was shown in court in which Cole appeared to be smiling as he drove past the police officer.

He was not pulled over, but instead had notice of the speeding offence sent to his home by Surrey Police.

The court heard that Cole, whose address was given as Chelsea, London, later signed a document confirming he had been driving at the time.

Cole, who was sent off for a foul in his first Premier League game for Liverpool on Sunday, will have to pay 600 costs.