Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has been handed a 12-month driving ban for breaking a motorcyclist’s leg in a Range Rover crash.
- Butt admitted to reckless driving
- Handed a one-year driving ban
- Will need to complete 100 hours of unpaid work
WHAT HAPPENED?
The 49-year-old, who now serves as the chief executive of Salford City, admitted to a charge of careless driving causing serious injury, following a crash in Burnley, Lancashire, on October 17, 2022. The crash occurred when Butt, driving his Range Rover, failed to spot the motorcyclist, Andrew Filden, resulting in a collision. Filden suffered significant injuries, including a broken left leg, which required surgery and the insertion of rods to aid recovery. He spent two weeks in the hospital due to the severity of his injuries.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Appearing at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court, Butt was sentenced to a 12-month driving ban and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. The charge of careless driving causing serious injury carries a maximum sentence of two years in jail or an unlimited fine. However, Butt managed to avoid a custodial sentence.
WHAT HAS BEEN SAID
John Dye, Butt’s defence lawyer, acknowledged the substantial impact the driving ban would have on Butt and his family. “The loss of his licence is going to be extremely inconvenient to him and his family but that is the inevitable consequence of this case,” Dye stated.
Expressing his remorse in court, Butt stated: “I could not be more sorry.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Butt’s football career is marked by significant achievements. During his time at Manchester United, Butt won six Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the Champions League before joining Newcastle United in 2004.
WHAT NEXT FOR BUTT?
Following his retirement from professional football, Butt transitioned into coaching and management roles. He became involved with Salford City, a club part-owned by the ‘Class of 92’. Butt’s influence helped guide the team from non-league football into the Football League. In October 2022, he was appointed as the chief executive of Salford City, succeeding Gary Neville, who had held the role for eight years.
