Boxer Amir Khan says he was caught speeding twice in one night because he was trying to get away from a tailgating fan.

The 29-year-old has been fined £800 after admitting speeding through Stockport to escape.

The former light-welterweight champion sped down Kingsway, in Cheadle Hulme, at 76mph in a 50mph zone as the fan followed his Land Rover home last November.

A court heard that Khan was recognisable because of the personalised licence plate on his beloved car. He has previously driven vehicles with the licence plate ‘King Khan’ and numbers made to look like the word ‘boxing’.

Khan, of Garsdale Lane, Bolton, pleaded guilty to speeding at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court.

The court heard how Khan had been captured by a speed camera at 11.51pm on November 26 travelling at 76mph down Kingsway.

The fighter’s legal team said he was caught speeding by another camera that same evening – an offence which he admitted on a previous occasion.

In a statement read out to the court, the boxer said his vehicle was recognisable by the personalised number plate.

He said: “On this occasion I was being somewhat harassed by a so-called fan who can only be described as tailgating me.”

Mr Khan added that he may now be forced to get rid of the car to prevent a similar incident reoccurring.

He said: “I’m embarrassed to be in this position and I recognise the danger of driving at such speeds. I will be doubling my efforts to make sure I do not repeat my behaviour.”

Philip Trotter, defending Khan, said the boxer fully accepts his speeding was inappropriate and ‘foolhardy’.

He said his client already has three points on his driving licence from the same evening when the same fan was following him home from an event.

Mr Trotter told the court that the athlete is dedicated to his family and charity work and is at the pinnacle of his professional carer.

He said: “He is ashamed of his speed. He is now looking forward to returning to the bosom of his family to enjoy one of the most important dates in the Islamic calendar.”

Khan, who earns around £20,000 a week ‘on average’, was slapped with an £800 fine – the maximum magistrates can impose for a speeding offence.

He must also pay £85 court costs, an £80 victim surcharge and was given six penalty points on his driving licence, bringing the total to nine.

The chairman of the bench warned Khan that he must drive very carefully and reduce his speed from now on. He said: “You have to tread on eggshells for a long time now and keep your speed down.”