Anton Ferdinand faces arrest and custody
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Anton Ferdinand faces being arrested and held in custody today after he failed to turn up for a court appearance.
The Sunderland defender was due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court yesterday after being convicted of driving while using a mobile phone, but he never arrived and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Ferdinand, brother of England captain Rio, is facing a driving ban due to the fact he already had nine points on his licence when he was caught using the handset behind the wheel.
A spokesman for Northumbria Police confirmed the warrant without bail had been issued for the £6 million defender's arrest.
This means that when he is traced by officers he can be held in court cells before being produced to face magistrates.
The force spokesman said: "There has been no arrest at this stage. A warrant has been issued and we are aware."
The offence in question occurred on the morning of July 13 when Ferdinand was seen in his white Range Rover on Newcastle's Central Motorway.
He was travelling from his home at Baltic Quays in Gateshead to Newcastle International Airport, where he needed to catch a flight ahead of a pre-season friendly.