Birmingham City star Mario Melchiot was fined £120 yesterday for speeding at an estimated 60mph in Birmingham.

The 29-year-old Dutch defender was also ordered by magistrate Catherine Taylor to pay costs of £35 and received five penalty points on his international driving licence.

Mrs Taylor heard how Melchiot had been caught speeding after he sped past red traffic light in Small Heath last year.

Melchiot, of Yew Tree Road, Moseley, Birmingham, did not attend court.

The court was told the London solicitors representing the player had written a letter to say he wanted to plead guilty to the offence of driving in excess of 40mph in his Bentley.

The car enthusiast, who has a three-year-contract with Birmingham City, was snapped up by Blues boss Steve Bruce in 2004 on a free transfer.