Former England international Raheem Sterling has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and possession of nitrous oxide following a motorway crash involving his Lamborghini in Hampshire.
The 31-year-old appeared before Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, where he admitted three offences arising from the incident on May 28.
According to court reports, Sterling was driving on the M25 and M3 during the morning rush hour when witnesses reported seeing him inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon while behind the wheel. Dashcam footage reportedly showed the Lamborghini swerving between lanes before it eventually left the carriageway near the Minley interchange in Hampshire.
Police said the single-vehicle crash did not involve any other vehicle and no injuries were reported. Officers later found Sterling in the passenger seat of the Lamborghini with two nitrous oxide canisters on his lap. Six canisters were reportedly recovered from the vehicle.
Prosecutors told the court that a witness described Sterling’s driving as “absolutely horrendous”, while another witness reportedly expressed concern that the driver could kill someone.
Sterling also admitted possession of nitrous oxide for the purpose of wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. Reuters reported that he had told police he had not slept the previous night.
The court heard that Sterling had acknowledged to police that he had a problem with nitrous oxide. His defence argued that the period of impairment was brief and highlighted mitigating circumstances.
Sterling was disqualified from driving and granted bail. His sentencing is scheduled for November 25, 2026, when magistrates will either sentence him or decide whether the case should be referred to the Crown Court. The offences carry a potential maximum prison term of two years.
Sterling, who has previously played for Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, most recently had a spell with Dutch club Feyenoord. He is currently without a club.
Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, The Times
Share this content:
About The Author
