Former England international and Premier League star Paul Ince has been handed a 12-month driving ban and fined more than £7,000 after being convicted of drink-driving.
The 57-year-old, who had an illustrious playing career with Manchester United, Liverpool, and Inter Milan, admitted to driving while over the legal alcohol limit on June 28 in Cheshire.
Appearing at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, the court heard that Ince had a reading of 49 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35.
Prosecutor Nigel Jones told the court that an off-duty police officer witnessed Ince’s black Range Rover swerving on the road before it crossed a central reservation and struck bollards, resulting in two burst tyres.
Ince was stopped by officers shortly afterward.
Defending, Frank Rogers said the former midfielder had misjudged his ability to drive after consuming two alcoholic drinks at Heswall Golf Club, where he had not eaten beforehand.
“He felt fine to drive. Of course, we now know he shouldn’t have,” Rogers told the court, adding that Ince fully accepts responsibility and acknowledges the ban’s impact on his life.
Delivering the sentence, District Judge Jack McGarva imposed a 12-month driving ban, along with a £5,000 fine, £2,000 in costs, and a £85 victim surcharge.
“The message has got to be: if you’re going to drive, you don’t drink at all,” Judge McGarva told Ince.
Ince was the first Black player to captain England and enjoyed a decorated career, winning two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a League Cup with Manchester United. He also earned 53 international caps, before moving into management.
His most recent managerial stint was with Reading FC, ending in 2023.
