Newcastle forward Joelinton has been handed a 12-month driving ban and being fined £29,000 after pleading guilty to drunk driving. Police pulled over the 26-year-old after spotting his Mercedes with a 2022 license plate on Ponteland Road in Newcastle at around 1.20 am on January 12. A breath test revealed that Joelionton had 43 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath, and he failed it. The permitted dosage is 35mg. The fine was estimated by District Judge Paul Currer using records that revealed the Brazilian’s weekly salary to be £43,000 If Joelinton successfully completes a rehabilitation program, his suspension will be lowered to nine months. A £2,000 surcharge and £85 in expenses are also due from him. Officers observed his car traveling at a high rate of speed and ordered the driver to halt, according to prosecutor Jonathan Stirland. Joelinton cooperated with the authorities and admitted to having two glasses of wine earlier in the evening.
District Judge Currer stated that he was persuaded by Joelinton’s remorse after considering his early guilty plea and cooperation with law enforcement. But he let Joelinton know that driving while intoxicated was a serious crime.
“What is evident to me is that you acknowledge that you committed a serious error of judgement,” the judge told Newcastle forward Joelinton after he pleaded to drunk driving. “You put your life in serious danger, and it could have had terrible repercussions for the lives of others. I truly hope you have taken note of this error and that we won’t have to deal with you in this court again.”
Less than 48 hours had passed since Joelinton had scored the lone goal in Newcastle’s 1-0 victory over Southampton in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal. His roadside breath test came back at 50 mg per 100 ml, but one of two follow-up tests at Forth Banks police station showed a reading of 43 mg, the court was told.
“Once this procedure is over, he will be subject to disciplinary action within the club,” Geoffrey Forrester said.
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