Newcastle's Joelinton given £29,000 fine for drink-driving
The Brazilian midfielder appeared before Newcastle Magistrates this morning
Last updated 26th Jan 2023
Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has been fined £29,000 and given a 12 month driving ban after being charged with drink-driving.
The 26 year old, Brazilian appeared before magistrates in Newcastle this morning, where he was handed the fine - which is worked out based on his income.
The footballer pleaded guilty for the offence.
The court heard how, when he was pulled over by police at around 1am on Thursday 12th January, he was breath tested at 43mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath , the limit is 35mg.
He appeared less than 48 hours after he scored the winner in the Magpies' win over Southampton in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
District Judge Paul Currer fined him £29,000 and banned him from driving for 12 months, which will be reduced to nine months if he completes a rehabilitation course.
The judge calculated the fine based on documents showing his weekly wage was £43,000.
The player must also pay a £2,000 surcharge and £85 costs.
Jonathan Stirland, prosecuting, said officers spotted his car driving at speed near the football ground and requested the driver to stop.
Joelinton was compliant with officers and told them he had drunk two glasses of wine earlier in the evening.
His roadside breath test recoded 50mg per 100ml which reduced to 43mg in one of two subsequent tests at Forth Banks police station, the court heard.
Geoffrey Forrester, defending, said: "He will be subject of disciplinary proceedings within the club once this process has concluded."
District Judge Currer said he took into account Joelinton's early guilty plea and compliance with officers, and he was convinced of the footballer's remorse.
But he warned Joelinton that drink driving was a serious offence.
He told the player: "What is clear to me is you accept you have made a grave mistake and a significant error of judgment.
"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."
His appearance at Newcastle Magistrates' Court came less than 48 hours after he scored the only goal in the Magpies' 1-0 over Southampton in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Charged as Joelinton Cassio, and living in Ponteland, Northumberland, he wore a dark suit, white shirt and black tie, with shiny leather shoes, and was accompanied to court by a club security official.
Nine reporters were in court to follow proceedings.
Manager Eddie Howe kept faith with the player and did not drop him after police announced he had been charged with drink driving.
The Brazilian has been a key part of the team's success and they stand third in the table and are unbeaten in 15 Premier League games.
Earlier this month, Northumbria Police said: "Shortly before 1.20am today, officers pulled over a vehicle in the Ponteland Road area of Newcastle and arrested the occupant.
"Joelinton Cassio, 26, of Ponteland, has since been charged with driving whilst above the prescribed limit for alcohol."