Paul Merson, the former Arsenal player and current Sky Sports pundit, has been banned from driving for six months after admitting to four speeding offences.

The ban and a hefty fine were handed down at Guildford Magistrates’ Court, adding to Merson’s previous driving-related incidents.

Former Arsenal footballer and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has been banned from driving for six months following multiple speeding offences.

Merson, 56, was caught exceeding the speed limit three times within a month last year, with incidents occurring on the A316 Great Chertsey Road in Feltham, southwest London, and the A316 Country Way in Sunbury. These offences added to an earlier incident in February 2023, where he was caught driving 60mph in a 50mph zone on the M3 in Surrey.

Due to the accumulation of 12 penalty points from these incidents, Merson was handed a six-month driving ban at Guildford Magistrates’ Court. Additionally, he was fined £2,640, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £1,056 and prosecution costs of £110. The court acknowledged Merson’s previous driving record, which already included nine points for prior speeding offences.

Merson’s lawyer argued that the recent offences involved only slightly excessive speeds and emphasised the significant impact the driving ban would have on his family, particularly his wife, who does not drive. He also noted Merson’s efforts to use his past experiences with mental health issues to help others.

This ban marks another driving-related incident for Merson, who received a 14-month ban in 2012 for drink-driving.