Cole escapes driving ban after wife is attacked by biker gang

ENGLAND football player Joe Cole has temporarily escaped a ban for speeding at 105mph after a court heard today that his wife was "severely traumatised" after being attacked by "eight thugs on motorbikes".

Cole's wife, Carly Zucker, was the victim of a carjacking attack outside her Chelsea home, Staines Magistrates Court was told today.

Cole was not present at the hearing but his lawyer, Nick Freeman, told the court:

"His wife was outside their house in London when she was carjacked by eight thugs who were on motorbikes. She was physically removed from the car.

"The car was stolen and it has not yet been recovered. She is 26 and has been severely traumatised by this incident to the extent that she has not driven a car since."

Freeman added the situation was "now compounded" by the fact that Cole had transfered from Chelsea to Liverpool FC; something that could prove problematic if Cole's wife and her five-month-old baby were forced to use public transport as they were deemed to be high profile.

Cole, who already has six points on his licence, was told he must pay £600 costs in addition to the £750 fine.

Chairman of the bench John Neary agreed to suspend a 50-day ban and £750 fine while Cole's lawyer, known as Mr Loophole, launches an appeal.