An arrest warrant for ex-Formula One star Eddie Irvine is still outstanding, it emerged today.
The warrant was issued after the former Ulster race ace failed to appear at a London Magistrates' Court to face driving charges in 2003 and is still active.
The 40-year-old multimillionaire, who was fined and given penalty points for driving offences in an Ulster court yesterday, was caught speeding on a motor scooter in Hyde Park. He also faced charges of driving it without a licence and insurance.
A magistrate found him guilty in his absence but issued an arrest warrant for the Conlig star and ordered his arrest on sight after he failed to appear in court to be sentenced.
A spokeswoman for Bow Street Magistrates' Court told the Belfast Telegraph: "The warrant remains outstanding and will until he either surrenders or is arrested."
Following the issue of the warrant, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said that while it would be acted upon should Irvine return to England, he was not actively being sought, given that he faced only a minor motoring offence.
It is believed the warrant is marked for "unconditional bail" so if Irvine was arrested, he would immediately be given bail, rather than be kept in custody.
Yesterday, the Belfast Telegraph revealed the former race ace was fined £700 and given eight penalty points at Banbridge Magistrate's Court for driving offences including speeding and driving without insurance. The court heard he was detected driving his BMW M3 at 75mph in a 60mph zone on the A1 carriageway, Banbridge. It also transpired his insurance had expired five days before he was stopped.
Irvine did not appear in person but his solicitor Pat Kelly, from McConnell, Kelly and Co, told the court: "It was a genuine oversight. His managers normally look after his interests but he is not abdicating his responsibilities."
Magistrate Eamon King endorsed eight penalty points on his licence and fined him £500 for driving without insurance. He was also fined £150 for speeding.