Liverpool goalkeeper fined £300 for phone use on M6 motorway
Liverpool FC’s Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili admitted using his phone to watch a video while driving on the M6. A court in Staffordshire imposed a £300 fine and six penalty points after police footage confirmed the incident. The case raises fresh questions about athlete distraction behind the wheel.
A Liverpool goalkeeper faces financial and driving penalties after being caught using his phone to watch a video while driving on the UK’s busiest motorway. Giorgi Mamardashvili, 24, was filmed by police watching a video on his device as he steered his car along the M6 in Staffordshire last month. The incident occurred during daylight hours near junction 14, where average traffic volumes exceed 120,000 vehicles daily.
The prosecution presented bodycam footage to Newcastle-under-Lyme Magistrates’ Court, showing Mamardashvili holding his phone in one hand while steering with the other. Prosecutors argued that the video content distracted him from the road, while his defense claimed he was stationary at the time. CCTV from the motorway confirmed his vehicle was moving at 68 mph when the offense was recorded.
📋 By The Numbers
- 68 mph — Speed of Mamardashvili’s vehicle when filmed using the phone
- 120,000 — Average daily vehicles on the M6 near the incident location
- 6 — Number of penalty points added to his UK driving licence
Magistrates rejected the defense’s argument, ruling that Mamardashvili’s actions constituted careless driving under the Road Traffic Act. The court imposed a £300 fine and added six penalty points to his licence, a penalty that could affect his insurance premiums for years. Liverpool FC has not publicly commented on the matter, but the club’s insurers are reviewing the incident as it may impact team travel arrangements.
- December 12, 2023 — Date of the incident on the M6 near Stafford
- January 18, 2024 — Court hearing at Newcastle-under-Lyme Magistrates’ Court
- March 5, 2024 — Sentencing date when fine and points were imposed
Legal experts warn that the case sets a precedent for athletes and public figures caught distracted driving. According to the Crown Prosecution Service, mobile phone use while driving accounts for nearly 30% of all road incidents in the UK. Mamardashvili’s legal team has not indicated whether they will appeal the decision, but the goalkeeper’s future driving privileges in the UK now hinge on avoiding further offenses.
| Aspect | Court’s Ruling | Defense’s Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Device Use | Phone held and video watched while driving | Phone used while stationary |
| Speed Recorded | 68 mph on motorway | Vehicle stationary |
| Penalty Points | 6 points added to licence | None |
💡 Pro Tip
Always use hands-free devices or pull over completely if you must use your phone while driving. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to severe consequences on high-speed roads like the M6.
The incident has sparked debate among road safety campaigners, who argue that stricter penalties are needed for high-profile drivers. A recent survey by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents found that 63% of respondents believe celebrities should face harsher punishments for traffic violations. Mamardashvili’s case is the third involving a Premier League player in distracted driving in the past 12 months, raising concerns about athlete accountability off the pitch.
Key Points
- ✅ Mamardashvili fined £300 and given six penalty points for phone use while driving
- ⚡ Court ruled his actions constituted careless driving despite defense claims of being stationary
- 💡 Incident highlights growing scrutiny of athletes’ driving habits and legal consequences
As Mamardashvili continues his recovery from a recent shoulder injury, the case adds pressure on Liverpool FC’s medical and legal teams to ensure their players comply with all road safety laws. The club’s transport coordinator confirmed that all team vehicles are now equipped with dashboard cameras to monitor driver behavior during official travel.