Cole Defends Husband’s Speeding Conviction

British singer CHERYL COLE has defended her soccer star husband ASHLEY over his speeding conviction, insisting he only drives fast to escape from photographers.

The sportsman was caught driving at 104 miles (167 kilometres) per hour in a 50 mph (80 kph) area in south-west London in November 2008.

Cole told cops he was fleeing paparazzi and didn’t realise how fast he was driving - but a judge at Kingston Magistrates’ Court dismissed his defence and sentenced him to a four-month driving ban and a fine of $1,600 (£1,000) in January (10).

Now the Girls Aloud star has spoken out in favour of her husband, who she married in 2006, but admits tries to curb his bad behaviour on the road.

She tells Britain’s New! magazine, “I know what it’s like when you are getting chased by the paparazzi. But yes, sometimes I tell him off. You have to keep them in check.”