A Newcastle United footballer has been fined £30,000 after he admitted to drink driving.
The midfielder Joelinton was stopped by police at 1:20am on January 12.
The 26-year-old proceeded to fail a breath test which read 50mg and admitted to officers that he had drank two glasses of wine earlier in the evening.
It was reduced to 43mg in one of two subsequent tests at Forth Banks police station, the court heard.
He admitted to officers that he had drank two glasses of wine earlier in the evening.
The footballer was fined nearly a week’s wages and banned from driving for 12 months. The ban will be shortened to nine months if he completes a rehabilitation course.
He was also ordered to pay a £2,000 surcharge and £85 in costs.
Joelinton’s weekly wage is £43,000.
District Judge Currer said he was convinced by the footballer’s remorse but warned him of the severity of drink driving.
He said: “What is clear to me is you accept you have made a grave mistake and a significant error of judgment.
Joelinton’s strike saw Newcastle advance within touching distance of Wembley.
Mike Egerton
“You placed yourself in real jeopardy and it could have had disastrous consequences for the lives of others.
“I sincerely hope you have learned from this mistake and we don’t see you in this court again.”
The appearance came just 48 hours after Newcastle’s nail biting victory over Southampton in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe kept faith with the player and did not drop him after police announced he had been charged with drink driving.
Joelinton’s 73rd-minute strike saw Newcastle advance within touching distance of Wembley.
Joelinton wore a dark suit, white shirt and black tie at the hearing.
Owen Humphreys
