Raheem Sterling pleads guilty to dangerous driving and drug possession

Former England international footballer Raheem Sterling appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on September 15, 2026, where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide, and failure to provide a specimen. The charges stem from an incident on May 28, when the 31-year-old was filmed driving his Lamborghini erratically in Hampshire, including changing lanes without signaling during peak hours while inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon. His driving resulted in a crash into roadside metal barriers, though no other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported.

During the 80-minute court hearing, prosecutors presented footage of the incident and noted that Sterling was found with six canisters of nitrous oxide at the scene. He reportedly told officers he had a problem. Following his guilty plea, the court imposed a temporary driving ban and released him on bail. The sentencing is scheduled for November 25, with authorities indicating that a custodial sentence remains a possibility for the dangerous driving conviction. Sterling, who has played for Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal, is currently a free agent.