Jamaica manager cites ‘exceptional hardship’ as an excuse

With nine points on his licence, former Liverpool legend John Barnes faced a further six points and an automatic ban when he was caught driving his BMW X5 without insurance. Rather than take his punishment like Pepe Reina, the 44 year old took the Damien Duff-approved route of avoiding motoring offences, claiming ‘exceptional hardship’.

Barnes, pictured here partying with a handsome football website editor, lives in a £1m home on Merseyside, drives a luxury gas-guzzler and can earn up to £4,000 a week with television and managerial/ scouting duties. Despite his lifestyle, he claimed he would have to employ a chauffeur if he was banned, and couldn’t afford to do that and support a wife, an ex and six children.

The excuse worked and a Cheshire magistrate forced him to pay a £2,000 fine instead. According to this website, that equates to about 40 hours with a luxury chauffeur.

[The Telegraph]