Magistrates in Bedlington were told that the 28-year-old footballer was the registered owner of an Audi S8 which was allegedly clocked doing 37mph in a 30mph zone in Newcastle last July.

Nolan told the court he could not remember if he was driving at the time, or if another member of his family was behind the wheel, despite attempts to find out.

He also told the court he owned the Audi S8 as well as an Audi Q7, a Range Rover and a Bentley.

He said his father, wife and brother were all insured to drive the vehicles, adding: "We all used them."

Nolan denied failing to supply information about the identity of a driver of a vehicle allegedly involved in an offence.

Magistrates accepted his version of events and dismissed the case, saying he had exercised reasonable diligence.