Ex-Rovers footballer banned from driving and fined £27k for drunk Range Rover crash

Former Blackburn Rovers footballer Shane Duffy has been banned from driving and fined more than £27,000 after crashing his Range Rover while drunk.

The Republic of Ireland international and Norwich City defender was arrested in Hethersett, Norfolk on May 6 while almost three times over the limit.

The crash involved his black Range Rover 4x4 and a Ford Fiesta parked on Norwich Road, near to the Queen's Head pub at 9pm.

Duffy, 32, spoke only to confirm his name and personal details and to plead guilty to drink driving at Norwich Magistrates’ Court.

Rima Begum, prosecuting, said police called to a crash had found him at the scene and that he had admitted to officers that he was drunk.

He blew 102mg of alcohol during a breath test, almost three times the legal limit of 35.

No one was injured in the collision but wreckage from both damaged vehicles was left scattered across the road with the Fiesta left crushed against a wall.

The incident took place 48 hours after the Canaries' final game of the regular season and just days before the play-off tie against Leeds United.

Chris Brown, mitigating, said: “He apologises to all those involved, anyone affected by his behaviour and the wider community.

“His remorse and apology is real. He offers no excuses and recognises things need to change.”

He said following the crash Duffy had stayed at the scene and asked householders to take his car keys off him and call the police.

Mr Brown added: “There is a perception that someone before you having certain privileges in life and financial status causes an arrogance and denial of responsibility, that is not the case here.

“As a professional sportsman he takes his role and responsibilities in the community seriously.”

Duffy had already willingly paid the costs of the damage and compensation to the inconvenience of the other car’s owner without waiting for an insurance payout.

Magistrates banned him from driving for three years, fined him £25,000 and ordered he pay costs of £2,085.

In 2014, Duffy spent just under two years at Ewood Park, where he made 63 appearances in the Championship.

The defender has been a regular in the Norwich City side since signing from Fulham in the summer.

He also previously played for Everton, Celtic and Brighton, as well as a loan stint for Burnley in 201

He made 40 appearances last season, scoring once.

In a statement the club said: “Norwich City notes today’s decision at Norwich Magistrates’ Court regarding one of its first team players, Shane Duffy.

“Now that the legal proceedings have concluded, the club will now progress with its own internal disciplinary process.”