According to GiveMeSport, former England international Raheem Sterling has pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, possession of a Class C drug (nitrous oxide), and failing to provide a specimen. The 31-year-old footballer appeared at Basingstoke magistrates court on September 15th, 2026, where details of a perilous rush-hour journey were laid bare.
GiveMeSport reports that the incident, which occurred between 7:45 AM and 8:52 AM on May 28th, 2026, involved Sterling driving his £270,000 Lamborghini for over an hour on the M25 and M3 motorways. During this time, he was reportedly inhaling nitrous oxide, a substance classified as a Class C drug.
Details of the dangerous journey
Witnesses described Sterling’s driving as “absolutely horrendous,” with one expressing “genuine concerns the driver might kill someone,” according to prosecutor Simon Jones, as reported by GiveMeSport. Dashcam footage presented in court showed the luxury vehicle swerving erratically between lanes and narrowly avoiding a collision with the central reservation.
According to GiveMeSport’s account of the court proceedings, one witness recalled seeing a large, deflated white balloon inside the car, suggesting Sterling was inhaling while driving. The witness was reportedly concerned that Sterling could not properly see the road ahead.
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The journey culminated when Sterling’s Lamborghini veered off the carriageway on the A327 near the Minley interchange in Hampshire. GiveMeSport reports that the incident resulted in all four tyres blowing out and significant damage to the vehicle’s bodywork.
When police arrived, body-worn camera footage showed Sterling in the passenger seat with two nitrous oxide canisters on his lap, according to GiveMeSport. He was also observed attempting to move a deflated balloon from beside him to the back seat.
Following the crash, Sterling failed several impairment tests at Basingstoke investigation centre. GiveMeSport states that while initial saliva tests found no traces of cannabis or cocaine, Sterling refused to provide a blood sample for further substance analysis.
Legal consequences and personal struggles
As a result of his guilty pleas, Sterling has been disqualified from driving. According to GiveMeSport, he has been bailed until November 25th, when his sentence will be determined or the case could potentially be referred to the crown court.
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GiveMeSport reports that the maximum prison term for the charges Sterling faces is two years. A sentence of between 12 and 18 months was presented as a possible outcome, although it could be suspended depending on the mitigation considered by the court. It was also noted that Sterling has no previous cautions or criminal convictions.
The court also heard that Sterling had disclosed to staff that he has a problem with nitrous oxide. His defence counsel, Jason Bartfield KC, said that “this was very much not a case of trying to conceal anything from them” when discussing Sterling’s cooperation with the authorities, according to GiveMeSport.
Sterling earned 82 caps for England between 2012 and 2022 and featured at five major tournaments during his international career. GiveMeSport notes that the former Manchester City star is currently without a club after leaving Dutch side Feyenoord in the summer of 2026, continuing a difficult period in his career since departing Manchester City in 2022.
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