Footballer Saido Berahino will stand trial accused of drink-driving after claiming he was fleeing a gang of armed robbers.

The Stoke City striker appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court in north London on Wednesday, where his lawyer indicated his client would be pleading not guilty to a charge of drink-driving.

The former England under-21 international was arrested in London’s West End in the early hours of 18 February after reports of a “disturbance”.

Jake Taylor, representing Berahino, told the court the player had been threatened by armed robbers and a number of items were taken just before the player’s arrest at around 3am.

The lawyer said the 25-year-old had driven “a very short distance” in his Range Rover over a period of about 15 seconds.

He said the issue in the case was “duress of circumstance”, and that there would be no expert evidence in relation to the breathalyser reading.

Berahino was almost three times the drink-drive limit, with 103mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, the court heard. The legal limit is 35mg.

The Metropolitan Police previously said an investigation into the alleged robbery was continuing and no arrests had been made.

Berahino spoke in court only to give his name, address and to give his nationality as British. He was granted unconditional bail until his trial on 15 May.

Outside court, photographs showed the Mercedes sports car that Berahino travelled in for the hearing had been given a parking ticket.

Stoke City have not commented on the player’s arrest but it is understood he will be dealt with internally under the Championship club’s disciplinary policy.

Berahino joined the club in January 2017 having started his career with West Bromwich Albion, and also plays for Burundi’s international side.

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