READING striker Lucas Joao will appear in court after launching an appeal against a possible driving ban.

The Portuguese frontman has admitted to speeding twice and could now face a long spell away from the roads.

A court will consider if he would suffer ‘exceptional hardship’ by being banned from getting behind the wheel.

What are the offences?

Joao’s first offence came in October 2020 when he was caught speeding on Lower Cookham Road, Maidenhead.

The 27-year-old was going faster than 30mph on the Maidenhead road in an Audi.

He admitted speeding at Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on July 6, 2021, but a court file does not indicate how fast he was going.

 

Reading Chronicle:

Reading FC v Coventry City (credit: PA/Bradley Collyer)

 

READ MORE: Reading FC goalkeeper caught speedings in Exeter

On the same date, he also pleaded guilty to exceeding the 40mph speed limit on Braywick Road, Maidenhead on September 25, 2020.

What is the penalty for speeding?

For offences such as speeding, the minimum penalty for a driver is a £100 fine and three points added to their licence.

However, repeat offenders who accumulate 12 points on their licence in a three-year period face a driving ban of at least six months.

Reading Chronicle:

Lucas Joao of Reading FC scores the opening goal to put Reading 1-0 up

 

Similarly, new drivers who build up six points on their licence within the first two years of passing their test can have their driving licences revoked.

READ MORE: Former Reading FC star fined for speeding

Despite this, some motorists are spared these ‘totting disqualifications’ if mitigating circumstances are proven to the sentencing court.

So, what’s next?

Joao, of Lock Avenue, Maidenhead, was due to appear at Wycombe Magistrates’ Court for a hearing on Tuesday, March 15 to learn if he was to be banned from driving.

However, this was the day Reading travelled south to play high-flying AFC Bournemouth, where the Royals earned a 1-1 draw.

READ MORE: Relegation odds in Reading's favour according to model

The hearing has now been rescheduled to May 31, after the Championship season comes to an end.

A legal document indicates Wycombe Magistrates’ Court will consider if Joao can demonstrate mitigating circumstances for not ordering the ban -- including if the striker would suffer ‘exceptional hardship’ if he were to be forbidden from getting behind the wheel.

Who is Lucas Joao?

The Portugese hitman’s is Reading’s main striker having arrived from Sheffield Wednesday in August 2019.

Joao missed a large chunk of the first part of Reading’s miserable 2021/2022 campaign but his return from injury has coincided with an upturn in form of sorts.

Reading Chronicle:

Lucas Joao of Reading FC against Blackburn Rovers

 

The 27-year-old has made 16 appearances this season, scoring six goals and earning two assists.

Reading’s number 18 received the EFL Championship Player of the Month award for February.

Despite playing twice for his native Portugal, Joao has recently been called up to play for the Angolan national team.