Sunderland midfielder Dwight Yorke was yesterday given three points on his licence after pleading guilty to driving at 85mph.

Yorke, who was represented by celebrity barrister Nick Freeman, had been returning home from a holiday on July 8 last year when the incident occurred on the A179.

Mr Freeman has been dubbed Mr Loophole for his ability to help motorists escape convictions. The 36-year-old Trinidad & Tobago player was seen by a police officer in an unmarked car on the A66 near Middlesbrough.

Yorke was given three penalty points on his licence and ordered to pay £150 costs and a £150 fine.

Noting that he now had a total of nine points on his licence, District Judge Stephen Earl warned the player that a further driving offence could mean the loss of his licence.

Speaking outside Hartlepool Magistrates' Court, Mr Freeman, standing next to Yorke, said: "Dwight had always accepted he was speeding. He accepted that to the officers at the time. The only issue was the speed that he was travelling and that was clearly resolved today.

"He pleaded guilty to doing 85mph and he always accepted that."