Derby County footballers plead guilty to drink-driving and failing to stop at scene of accident near Derby
Derby County footballers Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett have been banned from driving for two years and been sentenced to 12 months community order and 180 hours of unpaid work, after admitting drink-driving charges.
Both pleaded guilty at Derby Magistrates Court to drink-driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident on the A6 near Derby last month.
The pair were charged after a Range Rover Sport and Mercedes GLC crashed in Allestree, Derby on September 24.
Midfielder Lawrence, 25, recorded a breath test reading of 58 microgrammes per 100ml and forward Bennett, 23, recorded a level of 64. The legal limit is 35.
Upon sentencing, District Judge Jonathan Taaffe said:"You are extremely fortunate to be here today."You had been drinking and have been involved in a road traffic collision that could have led to death."He said: "You are both intelligent and talented young men who have broughtshame upon yourselves, your family, your profession and your club."
Mr Taaffe said Derby County fans would be "incredulous" at what they haddone.
Both footballers have apologised.
Earlier this month, the football club fined the pair the "equivalent of sixweeks' wages" and condemned them for bringing the club into disrepute following the "alcohol-related incident" of September 24.
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