Romelu Lukaku ‘deeply regrets’ his Beverly Hills behaviour and reimburses police
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku "deeply regrets" his behaviour and has reimbursed police for repeated callouts over loud partying in Beverly Hills, his lawyer has said.
The Premier League footballer was arrested by officers responding to five noise complaints in as many days at the home where he was staying on the eve of his £75 million transfer to Old Trafford.
Robert Humphreys, defending Lukaku, entered a no contest plea in court in Los Angeles and paid $450 (€382) to reimburse police for their time.
"Mr Lukaku deeply regrets any inconvenience he caused the city of Beverly Hills," the lawyer said after the hearing.
"And he’s pleased by this settlement to make amends for his past conduct and pleased to have the matter behind him."
James Eckart, representing Beverly Hills authorities, accepted the plea to the lesser charge of a disturbance of the peace infraction after the 24-year-old striker was arrested and accused of a misdemeanour carrying up to six months in jail.
Commissioner Jane Godfrey, overseeing the case, ordered Lukaku to pay a further $515 (€437) in fines, fees and penalties by March 19.
Officers from Beverly Hills Police Department arrested the Belgium international at around 8pm on July 2, around eight days before his transfer from Everton was completed.
Along with the police reimbursement, he must pay a $100 (€85) fine, a $375 (€318) penalty assessment set by the judge and a $40 (€34) security fee, Los Angeles Airport Courthouse was told.
