Manchester United star Danny Welbeck gets fiver knocked off speeding fine (From Messenger Newspapers)

Manchester United star Danny Welbeck gets fiver knocked off speeding fine

9:00am Thursday 13th September 2012 in News

Soccer star Danny Welbeck got a fiver knocked off his speeding fine – thanks to celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman.

The Manchester United striker, reputed to earn £75,000 a week, was ordered to pay just £65 for doing 82 mph in a 50 mph zone on Princess Parkway, Northenden.

But after leaving the magistrates’ court in Manchester Mr Freeman discovered the standard fine was £60.

Mr Freeman, known as ‘Mr Loophole’ trooped back into court and District Judge Jonathon Taaffe admitted his mistake and reduced the fine to £60.

Welbeck, who lives on Stanhope Road, Bowdon, was pulled over after he was clocked at speeds between 72 – 82 mph the day after his 21st birthday last November.

Prosecutor Alan Richardson said the footballer had been offered a £60 penalty ticket but failed to take it up.

Courts are obliged to consider imposing a ban on drivers caught doing more than 66 mph in a 50 mph area.

Mr Freeman claimed that Welbeck thought he was being given a ‘producer’ to hand in his licence.

“A recording taken by the officer’s car proved he was never told what he was being offered”, said Mr Freeman.

Welbeck, who didn’t appear in court – he was on England duty – admitted speeding.

Outside court Mr Freeman said “My client would like to express that he very much regrets this incident.

“He regards himself as a role model and believes in practicing what he preaches.  He takes his responsibilities seriously”.