Cricketer gets second ban for drink-driving

The 27-year-old Durham fast bowler was driving to an all-night garage for food, having returned home from an evening out with friends, when he was stopped, Peterlee Magistrates’ Court heard.

He was arrested at about 3.10am on July 28 after he was stopped on the A690 Leazes Bowl, Durham, in his Jaguar XJ.

His reading was 74mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when the limit is 35mg.

Blair Martin, prosecuting, said police Plunkett was stopped because his headlights were not on, and officers smelled intoxicants.

He was taken to Durham City Police Station where he provided two breath samples.

“The police have noted during procedures the defendant was co-operative, (he had) red eyes, speech slightly slurred,” Mr Martin said.

Magistrates were told Plunkett was convicted for drink driving in February 2007 and was banned for 20 months. Mark Haslam, defending, said: “His decision to drive was completely unjustified and completely illogical.

“He has been in this position before, he should have known better.”

Plunkett had been out and returned home in a taxi with friends.

“He did everything right until somebody wanted some food. He took the decision to drive a very short distance to an all-night garage to get some food,” Mr Haslam said.

Plunkett is currently injured and is not sure when he will be fit again, Mr Haslam said, and his financial circumstances were worse than in 2007 when he was playing for England and his county.

The Jaguar was loaned from a firm and will be returned.

Plunkett was fined £1,000 and must pay £100 costs.