Newcastle star Joelinton fined £29,000 and banned from driving for drunk driving

Newcastle United star Joelinton has been fined less than a week’s wages after admitting drink driving.

The Brazil midfielder failed a breath test after police saw his Mercedes G-Wagen driving at high speed near the soccer field around 1am on January 12.

Joelinton, 26, agreed with officers, telling them he had two glasses of wine earlier in the evening.

His test showed he had 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, although the legal limit is 35mg. This was reduced to 43mg in a subsequent test at the police station.

District Judge Paul Currer handed out a £29,000 fine and a 12-month driving ban, which will be reduced to nine months if he completes a rehabilitation course.

The judge calculated the fine on the basis of documents showing his weekly wages were £43,000. The player will also have to pay an upcharge of £2,000 and £85 in costs.

He said he had taken into account Joelinton’s early guilty plea and official compliance and was confident in the footballer’s remorse.

But he warned Joelinton that drinking and driving is a serious offense.

He said to him: “I realize that you accept that you have made a grave mistake and a serious misjudgment.

“They really put themselves in danger and that could have had disastrous consequences for the lives of others.

“I sincerely hope that you have learned from this mistake and that we will not see you before this court again.”

His appearance at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court came less than 48 hours after he scored the only goal in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Manager Eddie Howe remained loyal to Joelinton and did not drop him after it was revealed he had been charged.

Geoffrey Forrester, defender, said: “He will be the subject of a disciplinary proceeding within the club once that proceeding is complete.”

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