Birmingham City's Marlon King
Former Birmingham City and Sheffield United striker Marlon King has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving at Nottingham Crown Court Reuters

Former Premier League striker Marlon King has pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving - the footballer's 15th criminal conviction.

King, who was released by Sheffield United in December, changed his plea having initially denied the charge in November.

But he has now admitted driving dangerously at a hearing at Nottingham Crown Court and will avoid a trial. He will be sentenced at a later appearance.

The incident happened in April last year when his Porsche was involved in a three-car crash in Winthorpe, Nottinghamshire, that left a motorist needing an air ambulance to take him to hospital.

The controversial striker played in the Premier League for Hull City and has also appeared for Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Watford, Wigan Athletic, Middlesbrough and Coventry City.

He was released from League One side Sheffield United and is currently without a club.

Striker's criminal past

Marlon King has found himself in the dock on no less than eight previous occasions involving 15 offences.

His first brush with the law came after he punched an opposition player during a football match for his local side Dulwich FC in 1997. He was given an 80-hour community order and ordered to pay £250 compensation.

Other offences include drink driving and other motoring offences and violence against women.

King served a reduced 18-month sentence after being caught driving a stolen £30,000 BMW in 2002.

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