Canaries star Andrew Omobamidele due in court for car offence

The 20-year-old Canaries star has been charged with not being in proper control of a vehicle over an incident when he was driving a Range Rover Sport on the B1172 at Hethersett.

According to prosecutors, as Omobamidele approached a junction and prepared to turn he lifted a large water bottle as he began to manoeuvre "steering the vehicle with only one hand on the steering wheel".

The footballer had been issued with a driving course and conditional offer of a fixed penalty as a result of the incident, which happened at about 11am on May 5 last year, five days after the Canaries' relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.

But the course has not been completed and neither the penalty payment nor driving licence have been received within the time constraints.

It means the Republic of Ireland international is now due to appear before Norwich Magistrates Court on May 31 for a hearing at which he could face a significant fine and driving ban.

Not being in proper control of a vehicle is not a new offence and can include things like using a mobile phone while driving, applying make-up or eating or drinking at the wheel.

Motorists faced with the offence are likely to receive three penalty points and a £100 fine.

But once referred to the magistrates court drivers could face a significant increase in fine and possibly a disqualification.

Omobamidele is a Canaries' academy graduate, having been signed by City in 2018, at the age of 16, from Leixlip United in Ireland.

The highly-rated player made his City debut, aged just 18, in a 1-1 draw with Preston in the 2020/21 season.

Last year he signed a new contract extending his stay at Carrow Road until 2026.

However, media reports have suggested that Premier League clubs like Leicester and Nottingham Forest have been monitoring his progress with a view to signing him.