Former footballer Jermaine Pennant has avoided a driving ban after admitting to driving without insurance to pick up his partner, who had broken her foot. Pennant was handed a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £26 victim surcharge by Highbury Magistrates' Court.
The 43-year-old ex-winger was stopped by police on the A406 eastbound on 2 September last year while driving his Audi A5 S Line without insurance. District Judge Vanessa Lloyd found special reasons not to disqualify him, stating he was "misled" by his insurance app and believed his policy would take effect immediately.
Pennant stated in court that his previous cover had expired on 1 September last year. He explained he had purchased one-day insurance 10 minutes before being pulled over, but did not realise it would not activate instantly.