Defoe appeals against speeding ban

Jermain Defoe was disqualified from driving today (AFP/Getty Images)

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe was disqualified from driving today after being found guilty of speeding but the sentence was immediately suspended as his lawyers appealed against the conviction.

The 26-year-old was not present at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court in Essex, where the case was heard.

The court was told that the footballer twice broke a 50mph speed limit on the M11 in Chigwell, Essex, in 2008.

District Judge David Cooper fined Defoe £1,500 for failing to inform the authorities who was driving his Land Rover on each occasion and endorsed his licence with 12 points.

He also disqualified him for six months and ordered him to pay costs of £600.

Defoe's lawyer, Dean George, said the appeal would be partly based on an argument that police paperwork was invalid on the grounds that it had been handled by an unauthorised person.

Mr George said: "We all know he is of means. He will pay within 24 hours on the phone."

If the appeal succeeds, Defoe will be able to claim the money, totalling £2,100, back.

Magistrates in Chelmsford found the England international guilty at a hearing in May.

Defoe, of Cuffley, Hertfordshire, denied any offence.