Benteke given a driving ban for speeding

Christian Benteke (photo: Dan Westwell)

Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke his been given a 12-month driving ban after being convicted of speeding.

He was caught racing his Bentley at 80mph in a 50mph zone in Richmond on January 20, before being clocked at 89mph in a 40mph zone stretch of the same road in Putney on March 11.

Benteke was also found guilty of driving 64mph in a 30mph zone in Streatham Place on July 22.

Chair of the bench at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court, Pamela Stokes, said: “Benteke is a well-known footballer who has many fans, and he should be seen as a role model to those fans.”

He was given six penalty points for each of the three offences and ordered to pay £2,780 in fines, costs and surcharges.

Benteke already had nine points on his licence and was not in court for the hearing as he was on international duty with Belgium.