Phelps cited for driving offences

Michael Phelps must appear in court to face two motoring-related citations following a car crash in his home city of Baltimore.

The 24-year-old American Olympic swimming star, who won an unprecedented eight gold medals at last summer's Beijing Olympics, did not cause the accident, which occurred when the female driver of another vehicle ran a red light on Thursday night.

Neither Phelps nor the female driver, Amanda E Virkus, were injured in the incident but investigations by the Baltimore Police Department revealed the Michigan driver's licence Phelps held had expired.

Phelps had been living in Michigan from 2004 to 2008 before moving back to his home state. However, he had also failed to register for a Maryland licence, which residents of the state are obliged to do within six months of moving in.

"He actually has two citations, one for having an expired licence in Michigan and two for failing to renew in Maryland," BPD spokesman Donny Moses told Press Association Sport.

"Because of the fact he was driving without a licence, he has to appear in court before a judge, and a judge will determine a punishment."

Phelps told police he drank a beer at 7.30pm on Thursday evening, with the accident occurring at 8.45pm. He was not breathalysed at the scene, but was subjected to "optical and verbal tests" to determine his sobriety, which officers were content he had passed.

Phelps was sentenced to 18 months' probation for drink-driving in December 2004 after he pleaded guilty to driving while impaired.

He also apologised for his behaviour after being photographed using a cannabis pipe in February of this year.

No date has yet been confirmed for Phelps to appear in court.