Newcastle's Joelinton Gets 12 Months Driving Ban

Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has been handed a 12-month driving ban after admitting drink-driving.

Joelinton was also fined £29,000 by District Judge Paul Currer for breaking the law.

The Brazillian was arrested on January 12 after he was pulled over by the police who spotted his 2022-plate Mercedes on Ponteland Road, Newcastle at around 1:20 am.

He failed a breath test which showed he had 43 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, above the legal limit of 35.

Judge Currer at Newcastle's Magistrates' Court calculated the fine based on documents which showed Joelinton's weekly wage is £43,000.

The judge noted that the midfielder's ban will be reduced to nine months if he completes a rehabilitation course and must also pay a £2,000 surcharge and £85 costs.

He further stated that he took Joelinton's early guilty plea and compliance with officers into account and was convinced of his remorse.

However, the judge warned Joelinton that drink-driving was a serious offence, telling him: "What is clear to me is you accept you have made a grave mistake and a significant error of judgement.

"You placed yourself in real jeopardy and it could have had disastrous consequences for the lives of others.

"I sincerely hope you have learned from this mistake and we don't see you in this court again."

Joelinton who scored the winning goal in Newcastle's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Southampton appeared at Newcastle's Magistrates' Court 48 hours after Eddie Howe's side's victory.

It is the second time the 26-year-old will be fined by a judge as he was previously fined £200 after he broke lockdown restrictions to get a haircut.