Former England cricket captain, Andrew Flintoff, has managed to dodge a driving ban after receiving three points for speeding recently, taking the total number of points on his licence to 12 – which normally results in an automatic driving ban.

Flintoff managed to avoid a ban as the court deemed that losing his licence would cause the cricketer “exceptional hardship”, reports the Telegraph – a claim which many would dispute, considering that Flintoff is likely to have more means to find other forms of transport than most other people who have been banned from driving.

The cricket star was given his latest set of penalty points after being caught driving at 87mph in his Bentley on the M6, near Linstock in Cumbria, on January 28. The 36-year-old millionaire had already received nine points for speeding over the previous three years and was flashed by a speed camera on the motorway, Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard.

87mph

Flintoff was caught driving at 87mph in his Bentley by a speed camera on the M6

However, magistrates accepted that the cricketer needed to continue driving and that a ban would cause exceptional hardship due to the effect of those who rely on charity work which he is involved with, as well as the privacy of his three children. Flintoff has instead been fined £330 and was given the additional three points on his licence, but allowed to continue driving.

Michael Neofytou, Flintoff’s solicitor, told the court that a ban would mean that the cricketer would be unable to film a TV show which involved a road trip where he drives a fish and chip van, powered by cooking fat from the van.

Mr Neofytou told the court that Flintoff had started the AF Foundation in 2007, which he runs alongside his wife, Rachael. Flintoff is claimed to have helped to raise £800,000 for a children’s hospital and was attempting to find another £40,000 to bring the total raised alongside other sources to £1 million.

Tell us if you think it is fair that Flintoff is allowed to continue driving or if you think that a habitual speeder should be prevented from driving around three young children, especially as he has more means than most to pay for alternative arrangements.

Picture: MH – Fotolia