Raheem Sterling Faces Up to 2 Years in Prison After Nitrous Oxide Possession

Basingstoke: Former England international Raheem Sterling has pleaded guilty to three offences following a Lamborghini crash in Hampshire earlier this year. The 31-year-old appeared before Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, where he admitted to dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. According to Ghana Web, the charges stem from a single-vehicle collision on the M3 near the Minley interchange on May 28. Sterling was accused of driving dangerously on the M25, M3, A327, and Minley Road before crashing the Lamborghini Urus. No other vehicles were involved, and no injuries were reported. The court heard that witnesses had seen Sterling inhaling from a balloon while driving. Prosecutor Simon Jones said one witness had concerns that the driver might kill someone and described his driving as horrendous. Sterling was also found with six nitrous oxide canisters, which are classified as a Class C drug in the U K when possessed for wrongful inhalation. His lawyer, Jason Bartfeld KC, told the court that Sterling had experienced an issue with nitrous oxide and had sought help to address it. He also noted that the former Manchester City and Chelsea winger had no previous cautions or criminal convictions. The court ordered a pre-sentence report before Sterling returns for his next hearing on November 25, 2026. Magistrates will then decide whether to sentence him themselves or refer the case to the Crown Court.