Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana has narrowly avoided jail after admitting to dangerous driving, marking his ninth driving offence.
The 24-year-old Frenchman was sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid community service and received an additional driving ban following reckless behaviour on a Surrey motorway.
Dashcam footage presented at Staines Magistrates’ Court showed Fofana swerving through traffic and using the hard shoulder of the A3 Esher Bypass in Hook at high speed. Prosecutor Rabbi Khan explained the incident happened around 4:50 p.m. on April 20, highlighting that Fofana’s driving posed a serious risk to others.
“The defendant was driving on the hard shoulder at speed in a 50mph zone,” Khan said. “The danger was aggravated by an approaching bend, and he was not indicating when making these manoeuvres.”
Already serving a two-year driving disqualification for previous speeding offences, Fofana was handed an extra 18-month ban, extending his time off the road until May 2027.
District Judge Julie Cooper criticised Fofana’s actions, pointing out the influence he has on young fans.
“You need to be much more responsible. Young people look up to you, and they will not be able to handle cars in this way safely,” she said.
Fofana, dressed in black with two bodyguards, only confirmed his name and address in court. He was ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge, leaving the court with a smirk.
His lawyer, Imogen Cox, acknowledged there was no excuse for his behaviour.
“The video speaks for itself. He apologised and said he had learned a valuable lesson,” she told the court.
Since joining Chelsea from Leicester City in 2022, Fofana has struggled with injuries, making just two Premier League appearances this season.
Judge Cooper issued a final warning: any further offences could lead to prison and potentially end his career.
“After your disqualification ends, you cannot drive until passing an extended driving test. Driving while disqualified will almost certainly lead to prison,” she said.
