Footballer Norris fined for motoring offence
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
A footballer who celebrated a goal by making a gesture in support of a friend jailed for killing two children in a car crash has been prosecuted for a motoring offence, it was disclosed today.
Ipswich midfielder David Norris, 28, was fined £400 yesterday after admitting driving while using a mobile phone.
A spokeswoman for South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court, in Ipswich, said Norris had pleaded guilty to the offence by post.
Norris faced criticism in November last year after scoring a goal in his side's Coca-Cola Championship match against Blackpool.
While celebrating, he appeared to make a handcuffs sign in support of his friend and former team-mate Luke McCormick, who was jailed for causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving.
Arron Peak, 10, and his eight-year-old brother, Ben, died instantly in the crash on the M6 in Staffordshire, while their father, Phil, suffered serious injuries.
A spokesman for Ipswich Town said: "It's a private matter that has been dealt with by the court."
Norris, of Ipswich, had three points added to his licence, was ordered to pay £46 costs and £15 to victims of crime, the court spokeswoman said.
She said he was stopped in Ipswich town centre on September 8 - exactly two months before the match at Blackpool.
Sources said Norris had initially intended to fight the allegation after saying he was drinking from a water bottle at the time of the incident. He also claimed his mobile phone had been attached to a hands-free kit.
But following the criticism he faced in November, Norris decided to accept the penalty and wrote a letter of mitigation to the court, the sources said.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.