England rugby star Martin Johnson has this week been banned from driving after being caught speeding at more than 100mph on the M5 near Burnham-On-Sea.
The former British and Irish Lions and England captain, who was stopped on the M5 near junction 23 during August, was handed a 49-day disqualification by Taunton Magistrates.
The court heard that the 43-year-old from Mowsley in Leicestershire was recorded driving at 103mph.
Johnson was ‘overtaking all other traffic’ in the fast lane in his Range Rover at 10pm on August 13th after a holiday in his family cottage near Salcombe, Devon, the court was told.
He admitted speeding and, as well as the disqualification, he was fined £800 and told to pay £115 costs.
Stephen Gooden, defending, told magistrates: “He admitted his guilt at the first available opportunity and co-operated with police. When he was stopped, the traffic was light and he was in a very powerful vehicle. He wasn’t going to risk his wife, daughter and son’s safety. He understands the seriousness of the matter.”
Johnson announced his retirement from a successful playing career in 2005. It came two years after he captained England, for whom he played a total of 84 times over 10 years, to World Cup glory in 2003.
The same year he was given a CBE – one medal below a knighthood – in the New Year Honours list. Johnson also led England to a Six Nations Grand Slam and is the only man to have captained the British and Irish Lions twice.
Pictured: Rugby star Martin Johnson (photo Patrick Khachfe)
