Leroy Lita, Sunderland coach, banned after admitting drink driving on South Tyneside | OneFootball

Sunderland coach Leroy Lita has been banned from the roads after admitting drink driving. According to Sunderland Echo, the 41-year-old changed his plea to guilty at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

Police stopped him on Shields Road near Cleadon at 11.50pm on January 18 because of his manner of driving. An officer noted the smell of alcohol and slightly slurred speech, and a roadside test returned 77mcg against a 35mcg limit. At the station his lowest evidential reading was 74mcg.

Lita initially pleaded not guilty, claiming officers had blundered with the reading and saying he believed his roadside figure was 38mcg rather than 74mcg. The case was set for trial, but no expert report was produced.

He later returned without representation and admitted the offence. He told the court it was out of character, accepted he was over the limit, apologised and said his job involves travelling to work with young players across the country.

District Judge Zoe Passfield imposed an 18-month disqualification, fined him £777, and ordered a £311 victim surcharge and £300 costs after he disclosed a £30,000 salary. She offered a rehabilitation course that could reduce the ban and warned that driving while disqualified could lead to jail.

During a 17-year career as a striker, he played in the Premier League for clubs including Middlesbrough and Reading.

Source: Sunderland Echo