Everton footballer gets driving ban
09/03/2010
A court has imposed a 12-month driving ban on a Premier League footballer after he was arrested over a drink-driving offence.
Everton midfielder, Steven Pienaar, pleaded guilty to the charge at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.
He was also fined £1,000 and ordered to pay another £100 for failing to comply with a traffic signal.
The 27-year-old was stopped by police who did a breath-test on him. He was discovered to be nearly twice the legal limit.
Merseyside Police found the Toffees star had 61 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms.
The South Africa international was pulled over by police in the early hours of February 21, the day after Everton's 3-1 win over Premier League champions Manchester United at Goodison Park.
His year-long driving disqualification could be reduced by three months if he completes a course before October 7.
A collection order for payment was made, and Pienaar was ordered to pay a total of £100 in costs to cover both the charges brought against him, the court official said.
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