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Statement on behalf of Shane Duffy after being banned and fined for drink drive car crash

A statement has been issued on behalf of Shane Duffy after being banned and fined for his drink drive car crash in May.

The 32 year old Norwich City defender has been banned from driving and fined £25,000 after crashing his Range Rover while drunk, as per Eastern Daily Press.

He was arrested in Hethersett on the 6th of May having been nearly three times over the limit when he crashed his matte black top of the range Range Rover Autobiography worth upwards of £123,000 into a parked Ford Fiesta at around 9pm.

A spokesperson for Norfolk Police said at the time: “Police were called to Queen’s Road, Hethersett, 21:05, on Monday 6 May, following reports of a two-vehicle collision.

“Emergency services attended the scene and a man, aged in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. He was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

“No-one was injured.”

Duffy appeared in the dock at Norwich Magistrates’ Court, verified his name and personal information, and pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol, as opposed to the original charge of driving while unfit.

In the hearing, prosecutor Rima Begum mentioned that when the police got to the scene of the crash, the defendant confessed to them that he had been intoxicated.

He registered a blood alcohol level of 102mg during a breathalyser test, which was nearly three times the legal limit of 35.

The situation was further exacerbated by the fact that his actions led to a crash, as well as a prior conviction for drunk driving nine years ago, resulting in a mandatory 36-month driving ban, she explained.

Luckily no one was injured in the accident, however debris from the damaged vehicles was scattered across the road. This incident came just 48 hours after Norwich’s final day Championship defeat to Birmingham, and prior to playoff fixture against Leeds.

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 local householders to take his car keys off him and call the police.

“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,” said Mr Brown.

He 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 pay out, he added.

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

Magistrates banned Duffy from driving for three years, gave him a £25,000 fine, and made him pay the £2,000 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

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.”

This is what fans are saying with a statement issued on behalf of Shane Duffy after being banned and fined for his drink drive car crash…

@RDL198040: @shaneduffy Get out of my club !!! Could have killed someone. Disgusting behaviour. #NCFC

@PlasticPlanners: If he’s got previous, why is any insurer covering for a Range Rover? Surely for 3x over he needs to spend some time inside, even if that’s just a few weeks. Make him miss the start of the season and see if his employers still think he’s not bringing them into disrepute.

@PlasticPlanners: Also, another case of somebody who should have faced trial by jury, not just the magistrates.

@_VN5: Any normal employer would look to fire an employee for bringing their company into disrepute.

@DonUnderThePool: Less than two miles from his house. Should have walked or called a taxi.

@clark_philippa: The decision should be removed from them: lifetime ban.

@Budgiekiller: Should never be allowed a license again. Once is a mistake, 2 is not acceptable & 3 you should do time.

@foreverayellow: can never understand why people, especially pro footballers, not pay for a taxi if they’re drunk. why on earth would you drive?! and it’s not the first time either. clearly isn’t learning. go get help before you put anyone at risk including yourself…

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