Mendy banned from driving for a year

Man City star, Benjamin Mendy has been banned from driving for 12 months – and fined more than £2,500 – after being given 24 points on his licence.

The French left-back, 24, admitted four charges of failing to identify the driver of a motor vehicle.

Mendy did not attend Manchester Magistrates’ Court in person, but his lawyer Gwyn Lewis appeared on his behalf.

The offences relate to four separate incidents of speeding involving Mendy’s Mercedes earlier this year, the court heard.

The first was on February 8, the second February 9 and the third and fourth in the early hours of February 21.

Mendy failed to respond to four letters asking him to confirm the identity of the driver.

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Mr Lewis said his client apologised to the court and said that Mendy, who was injured at the time, was not driving the vehicle.

The identity of the driver and the speeds recorded were not disclosed in court.

Mr Lewis said his client had ‘no defence’ for his offences.

“It’s unfortunate because on each occasion he wasn’t driving,” said Mr Lewis.

“But that’s not the issue at hand. All I would say is that he’s aware he’s going to be disqualified and he’s not been driving in the meantime.

“I will relay the outcome to him – so there’s no danger of him driving while disqualified.

“It’s the first occasion he’s been before a court. He’s a non-national of this country and it’s become clear to him that it’s going to involve a sanction from the court.

“You may or may not be aware that he’s a professional footballer.

“As a result of that he’s in a financial position to be able to pay whatever you believe to be appropriate.

“This will be his first disqualification and it has been explained to him the the seriousness of the concept of disqualification.”

Chairman of the bench Michael Blackhurst expressed disappointment that Mendy had not attended court in person.

“We are dealing with four offences,” he said.

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“It’s quite a serious matter.”

Mr Lewis said his client has lawfully appeared in court via his lawyer.

“It’s his first dealing with a court in the UK – he’s had an opportunity to realise how serious these matters are now.”

Magistrates gave Mendy 24 points on his licence – six for each count – and banned him from the road for 12 months.

He must also pay a total of £2,500 in fines, the maximum allowed, for the driving offences plus a victim surcharge and costs.