Ex-AFC Bournemouth star Arnaut Danjuma fined for speeding

The 25-year-old footballer pleaded guilty to driving a Mercedes in excess of the 40mph limit on the dual carriageway in Bournemouth.

The offence took place on Saturday, October 17, 2020, on the A338 Wessex Way between St Paul’s Roundabout and Bournemouth West Roundabout.

Danjuma, who now plays for Spanish side Villarreal, was not present for the hearing at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 17, where his name was given as Arnaut Groeneveld.

The Netherlands international was issued with a court bill of more than £900 and had his driving record endorsed.

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Jonathan Morrissey, representing Danjuma, entered the guilty plea at the court hearing on behalf of the defendant in his absence.

Arnaut Danjuma was not present for the hearing at Poole Magistrates' Court

Prosecuting, Molly Mifsud said the Mercedes was recorded as doing 48mph in the 40mph zone.

Ms Mifsud said this meant the offence fell into the lowest category in terms of seriousness, with it ranging from 41mph to 55mph.

The court heard the case had previously been dealt with last year, however, it had been reopened following an application in June.

Mr Morrissey told the court that Danjuma had a Dutch driving licence and an English licence would only be theoretical.

In relation to the defendant’s pay, the defendant said: “The situation with regards to his income, to be frank, it is thousands per week.”

Mr Morrissey told the court Danjuma was now living and working in Spain, having previously resided in Poole.

“As far as the offence is concerned, absolutely no excuse from Mr Danjuma at all,” said Mr Morrissey.

• Read more: One in seven speeding offences cancelled in Dorset

On the day of the offence, Cherries played out a goalless draw with Queens Park Rangers at Vitality Stadium in a match behind closed doors due to coronavirus restrictions. Danjuma came on in the match as a second-half substitute.

Along with three points on his licence, magistrates handed Danjuma a £750 fine as well as an order to pay a £75 surcharge and £150 prosecution costs, all to be paid within 28 days.

Arnaut Danjuma played for AFC Bournemouth for two seasons before departing last year

Danjuma joined La Liga outfit Villarreal on a five-year contract last summer after Cherries accepted a fee understood by the Daily Echo to be around £21 million.

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