Ex-boxing champion Naseem Hamed jailed

Naseem Hamed jailed for 15 months

Britain's "Prince" Naseem Hamed, a former WBO world featherweight boxing champion, was jailed today for 15 months for dangerous driving which caused a car crash that left another motorist seriously injured.

Hamed's Mercedes sports car collided head on with two other vehicles on a road in Sheffield not far from the boxer's home last May. Hamed escaped unharmed but according to newspaper reports the driver of one of the other cars, Anthony Burgin (38) broke numerous bones and has been forced to undergo several operations since the crash.

Hamed, who was undefeated in 35 professional bouts until losing his World Boxing Organisation crown in 2001, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving at Sheffield Crown Court last month. He was also banned from driving for four years. Hamed, who also held World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation versions of the featherweight belt, was as famous for his flamboyant entrances to the boxing ring, as for his bold and unique combination of speed and power inside it.

Masinga pleads guilty
Meanwhile, another sport star also facing the wrath of the law Phil "Chippa" Masinga, the former Bafana Bafana striker, has pleaded guilty on two charges related to an incident that took place in Klerksdorp in the Northwest in January last year. He was arrested after an accident involving his car and a minibus taxi, but was out on bail of R500. The case was postponed time and time again.

He was charged with reckless driving and assault on the taxi driver. At the time of the incident he also obstructed the police in executing their duty and resisted arrest. Masinga was however not officially charged for the misconduct involving the police.

On the first charge of reckless driving, the Klerksdorp Magistrate Court fined him R10 000 or two years in jail, suspended for five years. On the second count of assault he was fined R100 or six months imprisonment. He has already paid the fines. - Additional reporting by Reuters