Ex-footballer Dean Windass banned from driving

Former footballer Dean Windass has been banned from driving (Getty Images)

Former footballer Dean Windass has been banned from driving and ordered to do 250 hours of unpaid work after admitting being three times over the drink-drive limit when he crashed into a parked car.

Windass - who starred for a range of teams including Hull City and Bradford City - was arrested after he drove his silver Mercedes into the other vehicle on Otley Road, Baildon, near Bradford.

Bradford Magistrates Court heard today how the 43-year-old goalscorer had been to the Hull City versus Blackpool match on October 3 and was heading home to his flat in the Menston area of Leeds.

Anzal Hussain, prosecuting, said Windass told police he had drunk two large glasses of wine and two pints of lager six hours before the crash, which happened at 5am.

Ms Hussain said the ex-player had 118 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal limit is 35.

Ms Hussain said Windass told police he had got lost on his way home.

"He fell asleep and collided with a parked car," the prosecutor said.

Maria Temkow, defending, said her client had "lost his self-respect to some extent".

She said Windass had no previous convictions but had been suffering from depression which had led to him into rehab this year.

But Ms Temkow said he was not a alcoholic.

She said: "His problem isn't alcohol, it's depression."

Ms Temkow said her client had found it difficult adjusting to life after football.

"He bitterly regrets getting into that car on that day," she said.

The court heard how Windass had co-operated fully with police and had told probation officers he was "really ashamed and embarrassed for doing what he's done" and "disgusted with himself".

Windass was banned from driving for 28 months - a period which will reduce by 28 weeks if he completes an awareness course.

He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay £165 towards costs and a victim's surcharge.

Windass left without making comment.

He explained his depression in interviews earlier this year when he revealed he had tried to kill himself.

He has been working for a hardware supplier.

Magistrates heard today he will keep his job despite his driving ban due to his value to the firm.

PA