Newcastle United star Nolberto Solano has been fined 1,000 and banned from driving for 18 months for drink-driving.

Solano, 26, of, Settlingstone Close, Longbenton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was two times over the legal limit for driving when police in an unmarked car followed his BMW at high speeds around the city.

Newcastle Magistrates Court heard officers were alerted when his car made a dangerous manoeuvre and stopped and breathalysed him when he pulled in at a petrol station.

The court heard how the Peruvian international had been driving at speeds up to 80mph after a night out clubbing in the city on April 6 this year. Solano had pleaded guilty to a charge of driving with excess alcohol.

He told magistrates that Solano was in the midst of contractual negotiations with Newcastle United and he and his wife, Claudia, had met his agent for a meal at a restaurant where the midfielder had a couple of alcoholic drinks.

His wife had been due to act as driver but was called away at short notice. Solano went nightclubbing after the meal and drank two further bottles of beer, the court heard.

Mr Arnot said his client believed he had drunk the equivalent of one and a half pints of beer and on top of the heavy meal, did not consider himself to be over the legal limit.

He added that Solano "did not deliberately set out that evening to drink and drive" and added that the footballer was "ashamed and genuinely contrite".

Chairman of the bench Edward Luck told Solano: "This is a very serious offence, even if you didn't realise you were over the top."

Solano may have his 18-month ban reduced by four months after he agreed to go on a rehabilitation course run by Northumbria Police. Magistrates said he must pay a fee of 150 and complete the course in full by May 2, 2002, to have the ban reduced.

-- Anonymous, May 02, 2001

Answers

It's not gonna matter if he gets banned for 3 months or 3 years. He'll be playing in Italy in the summer.

-- Anonymous, May 02, 2001

It's nice that they give most of his address as well.....very clever!

-- Anonymous, May 02, 2001

LOL.

-- Anonymous, May 02, 2001

Shame, I'd always had a lot of time for the little chap. However, drinking and driving is something I can't stomach. And not being able to count is just sodding lazy.

-- Anonymous, May 02, 2001