Footballing legend Alan Ball escaped a driving ban after telling Colchester magistrates he needed his licence to take his ill wife to hospital

He was clocked by a speed camera, which should have meant he was disqualified because of the points system.

But he also said if he lost his licence it would prevent him from travelling and giving speeches, from which he made income and gave money to charity.

Colchester magistrates yesterday heard Ball had been clocked in a Mercedes doing 43mph in a 30mph limit on the A414 Maldon Road, Danbury, near Maldon, just before midnight on April 4.

He admitted one charge of speeding.

The bench heard how Ball, 57, of Hook Lane, Warsash, Hampshire, had previously driven his wife Lesley to receive treatment for ovarian cancer.

Alan Gardner, representing Ball, said it was feared the condition could be coming back. Mrs Ball had been referred to the specialist Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

"Mr Ball's been driving her to and from the hospital for her treatment and hopes to continue doing so."

Ball told the court: "My wife Lesley had a torrid time last year.

"After the last treatment, she was in no fit state to do anything and the support from me was very much needed."

Magistrates told Ball they accepted his reasons for not wanting to be banned and allowed him to keep his licence, which was endorsed with three points.

Ball, who thanked magistrates for their understanding, was also fined £60.

Alan Ball was a member of Alf Ramsey's 1966 England World Cup-winning team.

He played for Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal and Southampton. In 1989, he was a coach with Colchester United.

Published Wednesday October 23, 2002

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