Brimingham City's Marcus Bent in driving ban

Birmingham City footballer Marcus Bent has been banned from driving for 56 days after speeding at 110mph on the M5 through the Black Country.

The striker was caught speeding in his Bentley near Junction 2 at Oldbury. He did not turn up to his sentencing hearing yesterday, so magistrates dealt with him in his absence.

They also ordered Bent, who was also given a 56 day disqualification in 2009 for speeding, to pay £1,210. Sentencing yesterday, chairman of the bench Jane Rashid said: "This is the second time now he has driven at excessive speeds. He does not appear to have learnt his lesson."

Prosecuting, Miss Pushpa Sheemar, said two officers had been in an unmarked car fitted with a speed tracking device when Bent sped past them at about 6pm last October 10.

Bent, currently on loan at Sheffield United following a brief period with Wolves, had initially denied speeding. But the 32-year-old, of Heston Road in Honslow, Essex, sent a letter admitting the offence.

Mr Stephen Daly, defending, said: "No disrespect is meant by Mr Bent not being in court. He is a Birmingham City footballer and did not want to create a media circus."

He added: "This is a wealthy young man but only for this season. He has no football club to go to next season. He fully supports his daughter and girlfriend. The reality is he will not see his daughter for the period of the disqualification."

Bent was fined £675, made to pay costs of £520 and given a £15 victim surcharge.