Derby fine Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett after drink driving crash

The Derby players were both charged with drink driving after the high speed crash which left Richard Keogh injured and ruled out for 15 months

Tom Lawrence crashed his car while drink-driving (PA)

Derby County have fined Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett six-weeks’ wages after the pair’s high-speed crash while drink-driving.

The Rams pair were arrested last week after two vehicles collided in Allestree on September 24 following a team night out.

The incident left captain Richard Keogh, who was a passenger in Lawrence’s Range Rover Sport, which smashed into the back of Bennett’s car, ruled out for 15 months with a serious knee injury.

The pair will appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court on Tuesday, October 15, but the Rams have not waited to hand out their own punishments.

In addition to the six weeks’ wages fine, the maximum contractual limit, both will serve an additional 80 hours of community service and attend a rehabilitation classes, including a drink aware course.

Mason Bennett has also been charged for drink-driving (PA)

A statement from Mason Bennett read: “On the night of Tuesday 24th September, I made huge mistakes after consuming alcohol.

“What I did was wrong. Being a footballer and someone who young fans look up to I know the example I set is key. I am ashamed.

“At 23 I am old enough, and I was brought up, to know better. I understand that such actions have serious consequences. I take full responsibility for my actions and accept the punishment that the club has issued.

“I have to and will learn from these events and will strive to be a better person. There’s no excuse for what I’ve done. I’m sorry to my family, my friends, the club, all Derby supporters and to the wider football community, I let you all down.”

Richard Keogh is out for the rest of the season (Getty)

While the initial club statement did not include a statement from Tom Lawrence, the player has since released his own statement: “Following the events of the evening of the 24th September I wish to offer my sincere apologies to the football club; our Chairman, the manager, my teammates and all our supporters for my indiscretions that night.

“It was a total error of judgement on my part, out of character for me and I am deeply disappointed in my behaviour and upset for my teammate and our captain Richard Keogh.

“Going forward, I will make every effort to make amends by working diligently to give something back to our local community and I will strive to repay all the faith and support I have received from everybody during my time at the club in the best way I know how, on the field of play.”