Latest News

Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole has lost his fight against a two-year driving ban.

Cole, who left West Ham after nine years at the club last May was banned from driving for two years in September after failing to attend court - a decision that was upheld today.

In a fresh hearing this afternoon, his barrister claimed that Cole - who is currently on trial with reigning Scottish Premier League champions Celtic - failed to attend court as he was unaware he had been summoned to appear.

Asam Khan, representing the former England international told City of London Magistrates: "When someone does not know the date they were to turn up, it is in the interests of justice for that person to be given the opportunity for the bench to hear their circumstances.

"One question I asked Mr Cole today was what education he has. Someone who does not have GCSEs would not be as au fait with dealing with letters as someone who has had a university education."

Khan - who insisted that his client has a right to a fair trial under Article Six of the Human Rights Act - claimed Cole had requested that his former representative write to the court to seek an adjournment of the case as he was in the USA at the time of the trial.

Annie Allum, Chair of the bench told Cole: "You pleaded not guilty by post and due to your disorganisation or an inability to deal with your affairs, were unable to attend a hearing.

"There is no denial of notice, but due to disorganisation you didn't follow through. We do not think this gives us significant grounds to set aside or reopen the case."

Cole's latest ban is the third he has received in the last three years. He was also arrested in 2008 after failing a breath test when stopped for driving erratically on the Victoria Embankment at 4am.

* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.