Darron Gibson pleads guilty to drink-driving

Republic of Ireland footballer Darron Gibson was three times over the drink-drive limit when he smashed his Mercedes 4x4 into parked cars on St Patrick's Day, a court has heard.

The 30-year-old former Manchester United, Everton and Sunderland midfielder admitted drink-driving during a brief appearance at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.

Gibson, whose contract with Sunderland was terminated after he was charged, knocked a taxi's wing mirror off in West Bolton but carried on and smashed into parked cars in Dovedale Road, Fulwell, Sunderland, as he tried to get to the club's training ground.

Rebecca Laverick, prosecuting, said an initial roadside breath test recorded 105 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.

When he was formally tested again at the police station he was found to have 95mg of alcohol per 100ml and he was charged using that lower figure.

Mrs Laverick said:

"The defendant was spoken to at the roadside, police officers established he was under the influence.

"He said he had had two drinks the night before.

"That didn't coincide with the manner he was presenting in, his speech was slurred and he smelled of alcohol.''

Mrs Laverick said Gibson had a previous conviction for drink-driving and driving without due care and attention in September 2015

Gibson appeared in Court 1 at South Tyneside Magistrates Court dressed in a black suit. He looked down at the floor throughout the hearing, with his hands together.

Gibson was warned that due to previous convictions he could face a custodial sentence. He's been banned from driving immediately - the full length of his driving ban will be decided at his next hearing next month.

The court told Gibson that he could face a driving ban of between 36 and 52 months when he is sentenced.