Glenn Whelan: Bristol Rovers midfielder avoids driving ban for speeding so he can get to matches

Glenn Whelan made a plea of exceptional hardship when faced with a ban
Glen Whelan was caught breaking a 40mph speed limit in Bangor last MayGlen Whelan was caught breaking a 40mph speed limit in Bangor last May
Glen Whelan was caught breaking a 40mph speed limit in Bangor last May

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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The 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.

Glen Whelan was caught breaking a 40mph speed limit in Bangor last MayGlen Whelan was caught breaking a 40mph speed limit in Bangor last May
Glen Whelan was caught breaking a 40mph speed limit in Bangor last May

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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The 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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