Footballer denies dangerous driving

A FORMER PREMIER LEAGUE football star has denied dangerous driving after a three-car crash in Nottinghamshire which left another motorist with a fractured elbow.

Sheffield United striker Marlon King is alleged to have committed the offence on his 33rd birthday while driving a Porsche Panamera on the A46.

King, who will stand trial next March, spoke only to confirm his name and enter his not guilty plea during a brief hearing at Nottingham Crown Court.

The Jamaican international, whose previous clubs include Gillingham, Nottingham Forest, Watford, Wigan, Coventry City and Birmingham City, asked the court through his barrister for his trial to be delayed until the off-season.

But Judge Jonathan Teare QC rejected the request, telling King's lawyer: "I don't wish to have any impact on either your client or his team but I also don't wish to have any adverse impact on the witnesses."

King, of Torksey, Lincolnshire, denies driving dangerously, which carries a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment, on the afternoon of April 26.

A 35-year-old man was airlifted to hospital after the collision at Winthorpe, near Newark, which was witnessed by an off-duty police officer.

King, who was granted bail, joined his current club in September and has scored one goal in nine appearances for the League One side.

By Press Association reporters