Former England star Raheem Sterling facing two years in prison for dangerous driving
Raheem Sterling faces potential jail time after being charged with dangerous driving and possession of laughing gas, following a car crash.
The former England and Manchester City star made headlines back in May after concerned motorists reported seeing a car swerving across traffic on the M3 in Hampshire.
Sterling, who was driving a £270,000 Lamborghini, was later pulled over at an interchange by police and arrested.
It's now been confirmed that the 31-year-old has been charged with dangerous driving and possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation.
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Additionally, Sterling has also been charged with failing to provide a specimen. He is now set to appear in court next month.
The charges have been confirmed by a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson, who said: "A driver will appear in court next month to face charges following a collision on the M3."
The statement continued: "Raheem Sterling, 31, from Berkshire, has been charged for the following offences: dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation, failing to provide a specimen.
"The charges come following a single vehicle collision, involving a Lamborghini, on the M3 southbound, close to the Minley Interchange, on 28 May, 2026.
"No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported.
"Mr Sterling is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on 15 September."
Sterling could face up to two years in prison if convicted
According to UK guidelines, sentencing for a dangerous driving charge ranges from a community order to two years behind bars, as well as a one-year driving ban. and an extended re-test.
Meanwhile, nitrous oxide, which is also referred to as laughing gas or 'hippy crack', is currently classified as a Class C controlled substance, after changes made to the law in November 2023.
Penalties for possession of a Class C substance carry a maximum sentence of 2 years’ custody, an unlimited fine or both, however this is unlikely to be applied to a first-time offence.
Sterling began his career at QPR's academy before being signed to Liverpool at the age of 15.
He then transferred to Manchester City in 2015, where he was part of Pep Guardiola's Premier League trophy-winning side. He left Manchester City for Chelsea in 2022 but struggled to establish himself in the side, later going on loan to Arsenal for a season.
He later left Chelsea, signing with Feyenoord until the end of the 2026 season and is currently a free agent.
Internationally, Sterling made 82 senior appearances for England, being a key part of Gareth Southgate's 2018 World Cup squad in Russia. He was subsequently included in the Euro 2020, where he was considered one of the standout players of the tournament, and World Cup 2022 teams.
However, Sterling has not featured for the Three Lions since December 2022.
Brenna Cooper