Glenn Whelan: Bristol Rovers midfielder avoids driving ban for speeding so he can get to matches
Bristol Rovers player Glenn Whelan has avoided a driving ban after being caught speeding - so he can get to training and games.
Whelan, 38, from Wilmslow, was seen doing 49mph through a temporary 40mph speed limit restriction on the A55 near Bangor in North Wales in May last year, Mold Magistrates Court heard this week.
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Hide AdThe player pleaded guilty to speeding and faced a ban because he already had nine points on his licence.
But he made a plea of exceptional hardship to keep his licence.
His lawyer said he was a professional footballer and he needed to travel from his home in Wilmslow to Bristol for training and matches.
Magistrates fined Whelan £307 and ordered him to pay £144 costs. He was also given three penalty points.
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Hide AdThe speeding incident happened before Whelan joined Bristol Rovers in September.
He has made 15 appearances in League Two for the Pirates this season.
His career before Bristol Rovers has seen him feature for Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City and Aston Villa.
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