Jermaine Jenas after being stopped by police for using his phone while driving
(Picture: MPS)Football pundit and One Show host Jermaine Jenas has admitted texting on his mobile phone while driving.
The former Tottenham and England footballer, 39, was stopped by police in October in Stanmore, North West London after an officer spotted him holding his phone while driving his Range Rover.
Through lawyers, the former footballer has admitted the offence and could now face a fine of up to £1,000 and six points on his licence.
PC Neil Cornelius told Bromley magistrates court he was on patrol at 3.20pm on October 14 when he spotted Jenas’ Range Rover passing by.
“I noticed that the driver of this vehicle was using a handheld mobile device whilst driving”, he said in his witness statement.
“The device was being held in both their hands to the front, in front of themselves.”
The PC said he pulled Jenas over and pointed out an offence had been committed.
“(He) confirmed he was using (the) phone”, added the officer. “I could see the subject texting on the handheld device.”
An image of Jenas, wearing a baseball cap and standing in front of his vehicle at the roadside, has been included in the court documents.
Jenas, from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, was offered a Fixed Penalty Notice after committing the offence, and was prosecuted after failing to respond.
He has been charged with driving in Marsh Lane “when he was at the time using an interactive communications device, namely handheld mobile device”, according to court papers.
Jenas is best known for playing as a central midfielder for Premier League sides Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.
The star made his professional debut aged just 17 sparking his flourishing sporting career in football.
He scored a career total of 39 goals from 341 league appearances.
Also, the football ace made 21 appearances for the England national team during his career.
The court case was originally due to be dealt with behind closed doors in the Single Justice Procedure last month, but was adminstratively adjourned until this Friday.
However, it is likely to be delayed again for an open court sentencing hearing which Jenas can attend.
Entering his guilty pleas, his lawyer from Edward, Fail, Bradshaw, and Waterson solicitors told the court: “The client would like to appear so representations can be made in relation to the penalty points.”
The Standard has approached Jenas’ representatives for further comment.
