Leroy Lita banned for 18 months after admitting drink-driving on South Tyneside | OneFootball

Sunderland coach Leroy Lita has been banned from driving for 18 months after admitting drink-driving at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court. The offence occurred shortly before midnight on 18 January.

According to Sunderland Echo, police stopped the 41-year-old on Shields Road near Cleadon at 11.50pm, noting alcohol on his breath and slightly slurred speech. A roadside test read 77mcg, he was arrested and taken to Southwick Police Station where his lowest evidential reading was 74mcg, above the 35mcg limit.

He initially pleaded not guilty, arguing there had been a mistake and believing the roadside figure was under 40mcg. The case was listed for trial with an expert report suggested, but none was produced. He later returned without representation, gave his address as Sunderland’s Academy of Light, and changed his plea to guilty.

Lita told District Judge Zoe Passfield his actions were out of character, accepted he was over the limit and apologised. He said he had not been driving erratically and that his work involves travelling to coach young players.

Judge Passfield fined him £777, with a £311 victim surcharge and £300 costs, after he declared annual earnings of £30,000. She offered a drink-driver rehabilitation course that can reduce the ban, and warned that driving while disqualified could lead to jail.

The former striker enjoyed a 17-year career, including in the Premier League, with spells at Middlesbrough and Reading.

Source: Sunderland Echo