FORMER IRELAND AND Sunderland midfielder Darron Gibson has been spared prison despite admitting a second serious drink-driving offence.
Gibson’s contract with Sunderland was terminated in March after he smashed his Mercedes 4×4 into a taxi and five parked cars while on his way to the club’s training ground.
The 30-year-old wept during the hearing at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, where it was said he had used sleeping tablets and drunk from a litre bottle of vodka the night before the crash.
A roadside test recorded him having 105mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath — reduced at the police station to 95mg — when the legal limit is 35mg.
Gibson had already been banned from driving in 2015 when his car hit three cyclists while he was over the limit.
In the latest incident, Gibson, who also played for Manchester United and Everton, knocked a taxi’s wing mirror off, but carried on and smashed into parked cars.
Magistrates at the previous hearing indicated Gibson may be jailed.
But District Judge Roger Elsey heard Gibson had psychological issues at the time and sentenced him to a two-year community order, with 250 hours of unpaid work, including 30 days of rehabilitation activity.
Gibson must also pay one of the drivers £800 compensation, costs and a victim surcharge of £85 each and was banned from driving for 40 months.
The Derry native has played for Ireland 27 times, with the last of his caps coming against Scotland in November 2014.
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Exceptional golf from Molinari.. Going to be hard to beat him. But what about tiger.. Never would have thought he’d be playing at this level again and competing for majors after his back trouble and surgeries, unreal athlete! Would love to see him win another major, for me he’s the best ever sport person.. But definitely in the top tier bracket with the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Federer etc. Looking forward to watching tomorrow :)
@Chonky Racoon: wonder what Tigers record as part of a threesome is?
@Cormac: he always wins and comes first ;)
@Chonky Racoon: can’t see it but I would like to. That’s all
@John kane: I’m a keen golfer. Like A
@John kane: Haha like A. Good forward stroke.
Know ammm sayyynn
@John kane: dis isn’t daten aP
@John kane: few scoobies tonight? Nice :)
Get ready for Mr. “I’ve always felt more British than Irish” to fly up the leaderboard tomorrow when he has no pressure on. (Article below for the remaining blinkered few who like to pretend he’s as Irish as the ploughing championships)
https://www.google.ie/amp/s/www.the42.ie/rory-mcilroy-ive-always-felt-more-british-than-irish-590659-Sep2012/%3famp=1
@Charles McDuck: let it go.. get on with your life. I can assure you he couldn’t care less what you think
@Charles McDuck: Give it a rest man. Pour yourself a nice tipple of your fancy, put up your feet, sit back and enjoy the golf.
@Anthony Connery: The auld facts are a disaster Tony
Molinari was rock solid. Adam Scott wants to rethink his putting strategy. He was awesome tee to green and must have had 12/13 looks at birdie. Would love to see putting stats for top 20 on leaderboard for R3.