David Beckham gets six-month driving ban for using phone at wheel

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Former England captain David Beckham has been banned from driving for six months for using a mobile phone while behind the wheel of his Bentley.

A prosecutor said a member of the public spotted former Manchester United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy star Beckham holding a phone while driving through central London on November 21.

"Instead of looking straight forward, paying attention to the road, he appeared to be looking at his lap," said prosecutor Matthew Spratt.

Beckham's lawyer, Gerrard Tyrrell, said his client had "no recollection" of the incident but pleaded guilty.

"There is no excuse for what took place, but his view is as he cannot remember ... he's going to plead guilty, and that's what he's done," said Gerrard Tyrrell.

David Beckham arrives at Bromley Magistrates' Court in London on May 9, 2019. /VCG Photo

Beckham already had six penalty points on his drivers' license for speeding offenses.

The six more District Judge Catherine Moore gave him Thursday for this offense put him at the 12 points needed to lose driving privileges.

Beckham attended the hearing at Bromley Magistrates Court wearing a dark grey suit and tie. He spoke to give his name, date of birth and address.

Famous for his devastating free-kicks, the 44-year-old captained England 59 times and scored in three World Cups before retiring from international duty in 2009.

He also played for LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint Germain before he stopped playing club football in 2013 and is currently setting up a Major League Soccer team in Miami.

(With inputs from AP, Reuters)