David Beckham gets 6-month driving ban for using phone behind the wheel

David Beckham, former English football star, has been banned from driving for six months after admitting, on Thursday, to using his mobile phone behind the wheel.

Beckham, who played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy, admitted using his mobile phone as he drove his Bentley through central London in November last year.

The 44-year-old football icon, who appeared at the Bromley magistrates court, south of London, dressed in a dark grey suit and tie, was given six penalty points on his licence, fined 750 pounds (868 euros, $975), and ordered to pay 100 pound to prosecution costs and a 75 pound surcharge fee.

According to Catherine Moore, the district judge, he already had six points on his licence for previous speeding matters, meaning he reached the 12-point limit which triggers a disqualification.

Matthew Spratt, the prosecutor, said Beckham was photographed by a member of the public as he drove in “slowly moving” traffic while holding a phone.

“Instead of looking straight forward, paying attention to the road, he appeared to be looking at his lap,” he said.

“He [the witness] says that the defendant was operating a handheld device at knee level. At that moment a photograph was taken.

“The defendant was holding the mobile phone in the upright position.”

On his part, Gerrard Tyrrell, Beckham’s lawyer, said that his client cannot remember the incident.

“There is no excuse for what took place but his view is as he cannot remember… he’s going to plead guilty and that’s what he’s done,” said Tyrrell.

The English footballer, who was famous for his incredible free-kicks, scored in three FIFA World Cups before retiring from international duty in 2009.

He also played for AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), before he stopped playing club football in 2013.

Beckham is married to Victoria and the union has been blessed with four children. He is currently setting up a Major League Soccer (MLS) team in Miami.