Drunk footballer drove to ground

Matthew Pattison played for Newcastle United before moving to Norwich

A Championship footballer drove to a training ground while drunk just four hours after leaving a nightclub, a court has heard.

Norwich midfielder Matthew Pattison was arrested on 16 March after a tip-off to police by a hotel receptionist.

The South African-born player was arrested at the Canaries' training ground in Colney, Norwich, and found to be more than two times the legal limit.

Norwich magistrates imposed a �2,300 fine and a 20-month driving ban.

Magistrate John Rockcliff also ordered Pattison to pay �60 court costs and a �15 victim surcharge.

'Smelt intoxicated'

Mark Davis, prosecuting, told the court Pattison had admitted in a police interview he returned to the Dunston Hall Hotel, where he had been staying since joining the club late last year, and said he still "felt drunk" when he woke up.

The former Newcastle United player gave a reading of 74 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Ben Lee, of the Dunston Hall Hotel, said he called police after Pattison's speech was slurred and he "smelt intoxicated" before he drove away, the court heard.

In a statement read by his solicitor following the hearing, Pattison said: "I sincerely regret the actions which have led to me coming to court today.

"I fully accept the sentence handed to me by the magistrates and I am determined to learn from my mistake."

A club spokesman said: "Matty genuinely and sincerely regrets his behaviour and the club will support his determination to learn from this serious breach of his position of responsibility as a Norwich City player."

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