Khan admits to 'driving too fast'

Amir Khan denies dangerous driving

Boxer Amir Khan has admitted driving "faster than it was safe to do so" before his car hit a pedestrian.
Mr Khan, 20, of Lostock, was charged with dangerous driving after Geoffrey Hatton, 55, was knocked over on Bradshawgate in Bolton in 2006.

He told Bolton Crown Court he drove through the junction in the wrong lane but did not "jump" the lights.

The world lightweight champion said his actions did not constitute dangerous driving.

The incident, which was captured on CCTV, happened on 2 March 2006.

Mr Khan, who denies dangerous driving, reached a top speed of 47mph as his BMW hit Mr Hatton, breaking his leg.

"It was too late to stop," Mr Khan said.

"If I had braked I would have ended up in the middle of the junction.

"I decided to just carry straight on and manoeuvred the car to the left."

He said he was not aware of three pedestrians crossing the road when he went through the lights.

The court heard earlier from Mr Hatton that he had panicked when he saw the vehicle come towards him and ran back to the kerb but instead came into the path of Mr Khan's car.

Asked about the collision by Mr John Jones QC, defending, Mr Khan said: "It happened so quick.

"I was really upset. I could see Mr Hatton was hurt.

"I was in so much shock. It was my first accident."