Anthony Joshua, a boxer, told court officials that his rigorous training regimen might have caused a moment of distraction that caused him to speed in a 30 mph zone.
On May 29, a Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 Police officer observed the 34-year-old driving a Range Rover Vogue at 44 mph in a 30 mph zone on the A26 near Lewes, East Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍.
According to court documents filed as part of the single justice procedure system, where cases are dealt with on paper alone, Joshua offered his “sincerest apologies” for speeding.
“The physical and mental fatigue from my training may have clouded my judgement, leading to this lapse in concentration”
-Anthony Joshua
He wrote to the court saying that he understands the importance of road safety and the potential consequences of driving too fast.
Writing in his defence, Joshua said: “I am a professional athlete, currently in the middle of a very intense training camp.
“My schedule has been extremely demanding, and I was travelling to or from a training session at the time and date of the offence.
“The physical and mental fatigue from my training may have clouded my judgement, leading to this lapse in concentration.
“I recognise that such circumstances do not justify speeding, and I deeply regret allowing myself to make this error.”
Anthony Joshua after his defeat by Daniel Dubois following the IBF world heavyweight bout at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
He asked that the court consider the impact any driving ban could have on his career, due to his need to travel to and from training sessions.
In court documents seen by the PA news agency, Joshua said: “I would like to respectfully ask the court to consider the potential impact of extra penalty points, which could lead to a driving ban, on my career.
“As an athlete, I rely heavily on my ability to drive to and from training sessions, which are often at locations that are difficult to reach.”
Joshua already had three points on his licence at the time of the offence.
He was compelled to pay £1,167 by the Hastings Magistrates’ Court in this instance. According to The Evening Standard, he received four penalty points on his license but was not prohibited from driving in addition to a £769 fine, £90 in expenses, and a £308 victim surcharge. Joshua lost to Daniel Dubois via fifth-round knockout at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, but he vowed on Monday that his boxing career is “far from over.”
