Raheem Sterling has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and possessing nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation after a crash on the M3 in Hampshire, following what prosecutors described as prolonged and seriously impaired driving.
The former England international, 31, also admitted failing to provide a specimen after his £270,000 Lamborghini Urus collided with a metal gate near the Minley interchange at about 8.45am on 28 May.
Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court heard that Sterling had driven erratically across the M25 and M3 for around 90 minutes, forcing other motorists to move out of his way before he left the motorway near Farnborough.
Police found six canisters of nitrous oxide in the vehicle. Body-worn camera footage showed Sterling sitting in the driver’s area with canisters and a deflated balloon on his lap when officers arrived.
An officer told him: “You can put that down.” Sterling then moved the items behind his seat. When asked to get out of the car and who had been driving at the time of the collision, he did not answer.
He was later told to “put the phone down, stop playing games. Stop tensing up.” Sterling replied: “I’m not tensing up.” He was then arrested and read his rights.
Evidence of nitrous oxide use
Prosecutor Simon Jones said Sterling appeared “quiet, withdrawn and lethargic” and was “actively fidgeting”, with drooping eyelids consistent with fatigue or drug impairment.
Mr Jones told the court that Sterling was unable to complete basic tests at the police station, including touching his nose with his finger and walking with one foot directly in front of the other.
The court heard that motorists had raised concerns about the Lamborghini earlier that morning. One witness reported seeing its driver enter a McDonald’s car park at speed while holding a pink inflated balloon.
At about 7.45am, another motorist saw the vehicle repeatedly move between lanes and come close to the central reservation. The driver was seen placing a white balloon to his mouth and inhaling from it.
A third motorist, Fiona Jennings, told police that the balloon was so large she thought it was an airbag and could not understand how the driver could see the road. She described the driving as “absolutely horrendous” and said she was genuinely concerned that someone might be killed.
Sterling provided breath tests which indicated that he was not under the influence of cannabis, cocaine or alcohol. He later refused a blood test unless a solicitor of his choosing was present, having declined the offer of a duty solicitor, and did not answer police questions.
Mr Jones said Sterling had attempted to impose a condition on providing a specimen and that his co-operation had ended when the investigation turned to the search for drugs.
Sterling’s barrister, Jason Bartfeld KC, accepted that the case fell into the “top category” because of the prolonged dangerous driving and “serious impairment”. He argued that nitrous oxide caused impairment only for short periods and did not carry the same risks as cannabis or alcohol.
Mr Bartfeld told the court there was “extensive personal mitigation” and said Sterling had taken voluntary steps to address his difficulties. Sterling later stated that he had not slept all night and had been tired and confused, adding: “I asked for a solicitor. I did not fully understand.”
Sterling, who is from Berkshire, could face up to two years in prison. The case was adjourned until November for pre-sentence reports.
