Glasgow Rangers shot-stopper Steven Simonsen, who has won four England under-21 caps and also played for Everton, was caught over the limit on Mowbray Road, South Shields, while driving back to his parents’ home in the town – hours after being part of his club’s matchday squad.
Miss Ghahhary defending said: “His parents live a short distance away and he walked to their home at 4.30am. He went to bed but had some coffee and struggled to sleep. A couple of hours later he decided to get some fresh air and pick up his car. He genuinely didn’t believe he was over the limit. If he had thought any different, he would’t have got in the car. He was stopped by police driving back to his parents’ home. He had travelled a very short distance of about one to two miles. He clearly completely regrets driving in the circumstances and offers his apologies to the court.”
Ridley Reid, chairman of the magistrates, said: “You made an unfortunate decision to return to your car. Simonsen, of Tudor Road in Southport, Merseyside, was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £650, as well as being ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £60″.
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/crime/rangers-star-banned-for-drink-driving-1-6535759