Former Manchester United midfielder has acknowledged his role in an incident where he inadvertently caused injury to a motorcyclist while driving his Range Rover near Burnley, Lancashire, in October 2022.
Butt, a member of United’s famed Class of 92, appeared in Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning and pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving causing serious injury.
The 49 year old received an interim driving ban, with a sentencing date yet to be determined. The offense carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or an unlimited fine.
The victim, Andrew Fielden, under went surgery and had rods inserted into his left leg following the collision.
According to prosecutor Graeme Tindall, Butt experienced a “momentary lapse of concentration” while behind the wheel, leading to the incident.
Butt, who expressed remorse and penned a letter of apology to the victim, reportedly failed to notice Fielden while maneuvering his vehicle after allowing a heavy goods vehicle to pass.
In defense of Butt, his lawyer John Dye acknowledged the inconvenience of losing his client’s driving privileges, emphasizing the inevitable repercussions of the case.
Butt currently serves as the chief executive of Salford City, a League 2 club co-owned by several former Manchester United teammates. During his illustrious playing career, Butt contributed significantly to United’s success, securing numerous Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and four FA Cups in his twelve year tenure at Old Trafford. Following his retirement, he transitioned into coaching, notably at Manchester United’s academy.
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