Jordan Pickford admits careless driving as December court hearing is set

Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has pleaded guilty to driving without due care or attention following an incident in Knutsford, Cheshire, on April 14. BBC News reported on Monday that the 32-year-old is due to appear at Chester Magistrates’ Court on December 7, having asked to present mitigation in person.

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The prosecution concerns his driving in a blue Lamborghini Urus. According to court documents described by ITV News, Cheshire Police officer PC Cecil Ricardo saw the vehicle approaching the junction of Princess Street and Toft Road. The officer said it entered Toft Road without giving way, requiring two other drivers to brake sharply to prevent a collision.

Ricardo said he had been waiting at traffic lights on Bexton Road when he noticed the Lamborghini, which had personalised registration plates. After seeing it leave the junction, he switched on his police car’s emergency lights and siren and followed. His account said the Lamborghini continued along Toft Road before Pickford appeared to notice the pursuing police vehicle and stopped.

The officer stated that his own speed reached 50mph while the Lamborghini was still moving further ahead. The road had a 30mph limit, according to the court documents quoted by BBC News. That account describes the officer’s observations during the pursuit; the charge to which Pickford has admitted guilt is driving without due care or attention.

ITV reported that Pickford submitted his guilty plea in writing through the Single Justice Procedure and told Warrington Magistrates’ Court that he wanted to attend a hearing to put forward mitigation. The case was formally adjourned last week to the December date in Chester. The reports do not set out the mitigation he intends to offer at that hearing.

Pickford began his career at Sunderland and had loan spells with clubs including Burton Albion, Bradford City and Preston North End. BBC News listed 336 Everton appearances and 92 England caps. His international career includes the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups, as well as appearances in goal for England in the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals.