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England star Jermain Defoe, of Hertfordshire, has been criticised by a judge for making a "frivolous" attempt to escape speeding penalties - and handed a legal bill of more than £1,500.

Judge Anthony Goldstaub QC dismissed Defoe's appeal against a driving ban, saying he thought the Tottenham and England striker had "played the litigation game".

During a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court, the judge said Defoe's arguments were based on "sad and ill-conceived technical points" and the appeal should not have been launched.

Defoe appealed after being disqualified from driving in July. Chelmsford Magistrates' Court had been told Defoe twice broke a 50mph speed limit on the M11 northbound in Chigwell, Essex, in 2008.

District Judge David Cooper was told Defoe's luxury black Land Rover sports vehicle was clocked travelling at 65mph on April 16 and 81mph on June 5. Defoe denied any offence but Judge Cooper found him guilty of speeding and failing to inform the authorities who was driving.

Defoe was fined £1,500, disqualified from driving for six months, had 12 points added to his licence and was ordered to pay £600 costs.

The footballer, represented by celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman, appealed on various grounds. However, Judge Goldstaub said: "We think he chose to give the prosecution a run for their money regardless, simply because he could afford to play the litigation game. We regret this appeal, which has taken up a day's court time when people waiting in custody for trials on serious charges should have been brought."

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