Peter Lovenkrands has escaped having his driving license suspended, as the Newcastle United star reached speeds of  60 mph on the narrow Benton Lane, which is close to the Darsley Park Training Facilities in Newcastle, in his £50,000 German sports car.

Peter Lovenkrands – escapes driving ban

The speed limit is only 30 mph on Benton Lane, Newcastle, where the offence took place on May 1st of this year.

It seems like the reason he has avoided any pubnishment is that up to this point he has an exemplary driving record, and this was his first driving offence during 10 years of driving in the UK.

Tracy Plant, who was prosecuting the case, told the court that Lovenkrands was caught by a speed camera in his Audi RS4 at 9:27 am  that morning:

“Inquiries were made and the registered keeper was found to be Peter Lovenkrands.”

“A notice of prosecution was sent and he admitted to being the driver at that time.”  “It was inappropriate due to the speed reported.”

Lovenkrands’s lawyer Emma Feeney told the Magistrates court:

“He regrets the offence that he has committed. He is very sorry to be before you here today.”

Miss Feeney said Lovenkrands had lived in Newcastle since since joining the club in early 2009 and continued:

“Mr Lovenkrands had no idea he was driving that fast (yeah – right!) and was shocked to see the 60mph on the summons. He had no intention of knowingly driving that quickly.”

“He is fully aware that exceeding the speed limit is a very serious matter indeed.” ” “This is the first time he has been to court for anything in the UK or any other country he has lived. Mr Lovenkrands wholeheartedly regrets the circumstances.”

“He was cooperative with the police and responded to all correspondence and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. It was a lapse in concentration.”

“He is a respectable family man who is hardworking and has a high profile job. He is keen to be a good role model. He is ashamed by the whole incident.”

Lovenkrands was said to require his driving licence to take his two young daughters to nursery school, as his Scottish wife spends a lot of time with her parents and family at their home in Glasgow.

Lovenkrands, a former Rangers player, told Newcastle magistrates:

“I want to say I’m really sorry for what I have done and for taking up your time today.”

Lovenkrands, whose address was given in court as Braehead Road, Glasgow, Scotland, had his driving licence endorsed with six penalty points and he was also fined £670 and must pay £30 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Speaking after the case Peter Lovenkrands said:

“I would like to say on record my sincerest apologies and regret over the matter. It was irresponsible and I fully accept the verdict of the court.”

“I am pleased the matter has been concluded and I wish to concentrate on my football at Newcastle United.”

Everybody is allowed to make one mistake, but a second one makes it into a habit.

Our advice to Peter is that he shouldn’t let it happen again, as whether he likes it or not, in his position he’s a role model for his fans, and he must set a good example for them.

One last thought – how does he get his two daughters into that Audi sports car?

Comments welcome.