SOUTHEND United captain Anton Ferdinand has been slapped with a six-month driving ban after racking up four speeding offences.

Basildon Magistrates’ Court heard the former Premier League defender was caught in his Audi Q5 on the A129 near to Hickstars Lane in South Green, Billericay, at 5.19pm on November 15.

Ferdinand, 32, of Grove Park, London was snapped by a speed camera driving at 38mph in the 30mph zone.

The court heard Ferdinand has committed similar offences since the beginning of 2015.

Following an offence on January 27, 2015, he has received a total of nine points on his licence, with further offences taking place in February 2015 and September last year.

He was ordered to pay a total of £350 to the court, including £230 in fines.

Ferdinand did not appear in court and magistrates continued in his absence.

The prosecutor said: “We are looking at disqualification, he has pleaded guilty.

“He is employed and his monthly earnings mean the cost can be paid.

“He is not here and because he has been given the fourth warning, you can disqualify.

“For the offence of speeding, 38 in a 30, the fine is £230 reduced for the guilty plea.

“A total of £350 is payable including costs and he will be banned from driving.”

The Southend centre-back and brother of former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand has also played for West Ham, Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland.

In an injury-hampered start to the new season, Ferdinand has conceded 11 goals in his last four appearances and he has added to that tally himself with an own goal in a 2-1 defeat at Gillingham in the Checkatrade Trophy.

He failed a fitness test on a hamstring problem alongside defender, John White last weekend ahead of Blues’ 0-0 draw with Rochdale but is expected to return to action at Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

Ferdinand has been with the Shrimpers since August 2016 and became club captain following Adam Barrett’s retirement last season.

The defender made 36 appearances for the club during his first campaign which saw Phil Brown’s side miss out on the League One play-offs by just a point.

Blues had been hoping to build on that this season but have made a slow start and have not won in their last six games.