A FORMER Premier League and international footballer will appear in court next month to appeal a driving ban and conviction.

Leon Best, aged 35, of Ringwood, was found guilty of failing to give police information about the identification of a driver of a Tesla at their force headquarters in Winfrith Newburgh on April 11, 2020.

Following a trial at Poole Magistrates' Court on Friday, August 27, Best was issued a six-month driving ban due to 'repeat offending' as well as pay £660 fine, £620 in court costs and £66 victim surcharge.

His appeal was briefly mentioned at Bournemouth Crown Court as prosecutor Oliver Foy briefly explained the circumstances of the appeal.

Mr Foy, prosecuting, said Best issued an immediate appeal to the conviction after the trial's conclusion at Poole Magistrates' Court and his sentencing result has been suspended.

He added Best, who did not appear in court, is likely to appeal the conviction on grounds of exceptional circumstances.

After hearing the brief circumstances, Judge Stephen Climie told the court: “October 20 is the date this case will now be listed for the appeal to be heard at Bournemouth Crown Court.”

Best, who last played football in 2018 for Charlton Athletic, played for a number of Premier League and Football League clubs including Southampton, Coventry City, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and Derby County.