Wayne Rooney apologises as he's BANNED from driving for two years.

Wayne Rooney pleaded guilty to a drink driving charge at Stockport Magistrates' Court this morningThe former England captain was three times over the drink driving limit when he was stopped by policeThe Everton striker was handed a 24 month driving ban and given 100 hours' community serviceIn a statement issued after the plea he apologised to his family for his 'unforgivable lack of judgment'The footballer appeared in court with his wedding ring on but there was no sign of his wife ColeenRooney was stopped by police on September 1 while driving 29-year-old party girl Laura Simpson home

Former England captain Wayne Rooney has apologised for his 'unforgivable lack of judgement' as he become banned from driving for 2 years and given 100 hours' community carrier today.

The 31-yr-old became stopped through police whilst driving 29-12 months-vintage birthday celebration lady Laura Simpson home from a night out in her Volkswagen Beetle in Wilmslow, Cheshire, at 2am on September 1. Rooney turned into stopped due to the fact miss Simpson's car had a defective brake light. 

Rooney became almost 3 times the legal restrict. His breath analyzing turned into 104mg in step with 100ml of blood. The criminal restrict is 35mg.

The Everton striker changed into handed a 24 month driving ban and given a hundred hours' community service as a part of a 12-month network order imposed at Stockport Magistrates' courtroom today.

Rooney was also instructed to pay £eighty five prosecution costs and a sufferer surcharge for the identical amount. 

In a assertion issued after the plea he apologised for his 'unforgivable lack of judgment'. He seemed in court docket along with his wedding ceremony ring on however there was no signal of his spouse Coleen.

Rooney's lawyer advised the decide the footballer had 'allow his own family down, very badly'.

Everton footballer Wayne Rooney has been banned from driving for two years and given 100 hours' community service (pictured: arriving at court today)
Rooney arrived at Stockport Magistrates' Court in the private hire Mercedes Vito Van (pictured) - he is expected to rely on a chauffeur for the two years he is banned from driving 
In his statement Rooney said: 'Following today's court hearing I want publicly to apologise for my unforgivable lack of judgment in driving while over the legal limit. It was completely wrong.

'I have already said sorry to my family, my manager and chairman and everyone at Everton FC. Now I want to apologise to all the fans and everyone else who has followed and supported me throughout my career.

'Of course I accept the sentence of the court and hope that I can make some amends through my community service.'

Shortly after the court hearing Rooney also tweeted his statement of apology to his 16.3 million followers, which was met with a mixed response. He left court in a private hire Mercedes Vito Van.

Rooney's lawyer, Michael Rainford, said he 'expresses his remorse for a terrible error of judgement'.

He said it's 'likely he will be fined by Everton, probably two weeks' salary', which amounts to around £300,000.  

He said: 'Upon stopping and speaking to the police officer he was fully co-operative and compliant both at the roadside and also at the police station later on, to the extent that the officers who dealt with Mr Rooney said he was the perfect gentleman.

'What I would say, through me, Wayne Rooney wishes to express his genuine remorse for what was a terrible mistake, a terrible error of judgment on his part that evening.

'He realises he has not only let himself down very badly but his family.

'He has a wife and three young children. Of course he has let down the fans, the young people who look up to him.'

The court heard that Rooney had written a letter to the judge and that a 'bundle' of character references had been submitted.

Mr Rainford said: 'He works with Alder Hey (hospital), Claire House (children's hospice), the NSPCC, his own foundation, the Manchester United Foundation and Everton In The Community.

'He is not somebody who pays lip service to the charities as so many often do.

'This is somebody who is actually hands on with the work he carries out.

'It is something that is very close to his heart. I think perhaps a lot of people are not aware of it. It is not something he shouts from the rooftops. He just gets on with it.'

He said the footballer was used to media pressure but 'this case has seen unbelievable media focus every day.

'There has been intense focus on him and on his family as well.'  

Rooney's legal team asked District Judge John Temperley to consider not imposing a community order because of his ongoing charitable work.

However the judge said he was 'not convinced' that imposing a large fine 'would have the same effect'.

The judge told him: 'This was a serious offence that you admitted.

'You were driving a motor vehicle nearly three times the limit. You were carrying a passenger which is an aggravating factor.

'As your own letter acknowledges you placed yourself and other road users at risk as a result of your poor judgment. I take it on board you are a young man with no similar previous convictions.

'I have read a bundle of character references handed in on your behalf and they speak very highly of you as a person.

'I accept your remorse is genuine. I am aware of the adverse effects that this has had on you but perhaps more importantly on your family.' 

Rooney was also told to pay £85 prosecution costs and a victim surcharge for the same amount.