John Terry was bugged by press, says lawyer

John Terry has had his car bugged by members of the press, his lawyer has alleged.

Solicitor Nick Freeman made the claim during the Chelsea footballer's speeding case at Staines Magistrates' court on Friday, arguing that the 30-year-old had been fleeing the paparazzi when he was clocked travelling at 77mph in a 50mph zone last December.

Freeman further stated that Terry had made an official complaint to police in March this year after officers discovered an electronic tracking device attached to his vehicle.

Despite Freeman's claims, Terry was banned from driving for 28 days and ordered to pay a £750 fine after admitting to the speeding offence. He was not in court to hear the sentencing.

Freeman later told reporters that Terry had become concerned about the behaviour of the press after the revelation of his alleged affair with ex-team mate Wayne Bridge's girlfriend.

"He was the number one target for paparazzi," Freeman said. "He accepts he is a target and they have a job to do, but because of the level of attention he had been receiving for several months, he made a complaint to police.

"Police swept his vehicle and found an electronic device that would have assisted whoever planted it there in knowing his whereabouts."

Freeman also dismissed suggestions that the sportsman's wife Toni could have placed the bug during the scandal.

Toni claimed back in February 2010 that the couple were "stronger than ever" despite the allegations.