Star Rush escapes driving ban (From Free Press Series)

Star Rush escapes driving ban

FOOTBALL legend Ian Rush escaped a driving ban last week after magistrates in Abergavenny ruled it would affect his charity work and coaching jobs with Wales and Liverpool.

The record-breaking Wales and Liverpool striker appeared in court after being clocked travelling at 85mph along the A449 between the Coldra and Monmouth in March.

Rush, 43, who lives in King's Drive, Wirrall on Merseyside, appeared before magistrates under the totting up procedure.

It was the fourth time Rush had been caught speeding, meaning he was facing an automatic driving ban of up to six months.

Prosecutor Jamie Dewar told the court that Rush was clocked by a police speed camera shortly before 3pm on the afternoon of March 18.

But his solicitor Brian Cross said a disqualification would severely impact Rush's charity work and his football coaching posts with Liverpool and Wales under 17s.

After retiring for 25 minutes, magistrates told Rush that because of his work they would not be banning him from driving.

Magistrate Penny Reeves said: "This would normally mean you would be subject to a totting-up procedure disqualification of six months.

"However exceptional hardship would be caused to you and others by you not being able to carry out your work at Liverpool, the Football Association of Wales and the various charities that benefit from your wide ranging charity work."

She added that Rush would be unable to use the excuse in court if he is caught speeding again.

Since his playing career ended, Rush regularly turns out in fundraising matches, playing in a charity match for Ty Hafan last month.

He had an illustrious playing career, scoring more goals and winning more trophies than any other player of his generation and scored 28 goals in 73 appearances for Wales.

Rush was given 14 days to pay the fine. He declined to comment after the case.