Derby County stars escape prison sentence after admitting drink-driving
Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett both said they would have struggled in jail following a crash last month.
Tuesday 15 October 2019 13:37, UK
Two Derby County footballers who drove while over the alcohol limit and failed to stop after an accident have been ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work.
Wales international midfielder Tom Lawrence and forward Mason Bennett were arrested by police after being involved in a two-car crash on the A6 near Allestree, Derby, shortly before midnight on 24 September.
Club captain Richard Keogh suffered a serious leg injury in the collision between a Mercedes and a Range Rover Sport and could be out for the rest of the season.
Lawrence, 25, recorded a breath test reading of 58 microgrammes per 100ml, while Bennett, 23, recorded a level of 64. The legal limit is 35.
Both players admitted drink-driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident at Derby Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.
Each received a 12-month community order and both were banned from driving for two years.
District Judge Jonathan Taaffee had warned the players a custodial sentence was an option, but decided not to follow through on the threat after hearing from probation services that they would struggle in prison.
A probation officer said Bennett was "extremely concerned about the prospect of a custodial sentence", and was worried about the effect it would have on his four-year-old daughter.
Bennett had told her the offence was "out of character" and he was "ashamed of his actions".
Shaun Draycott, representing Lawrence, said he had become "quite dependent" on alcohol since the death of his mother, whom he was very close to.
Mr Draycott said his mother's death "has impacted greatly on this young man's psychological health".
Mr Taaffee told both players: "You are extremely fortunate to be here today.
"You had been drinking and have been involved in a road traffic collision that could have led to death."
He added: "You are both intelligent and talented young men who have brought shame upon yourselves, your family, your profession and your club."
Earlier this month, Derby County fined Lawrence and Bennett and condemned them for bringing the club into disrepute.
Both players have apologised.