Ex-Footballer Wilkins Guilty Of Drink Driving

Former England footballer Ray Wilkins has asked not to be judged for "the alcoholism problem that I have" after pleading guilty to his third drink driving offence.

The 59-year-old was seen driving his Mercedes in the middle of the road and straddling a bus lane on the A4 near Heathrow on 1 July.

Prosecutor Izolda Gribbin said a member of the public had seen him "striking a kerb on the road as well as drinking alcohol from the bottle while driving".

He had tried to do a U-turn and his car stopped, allowing the member of the public to take the keys out of the car.

Ms Gribbin said police described Wilkins as "unsteady on his feet and there was a smell of alcohol coming from him".

Wilkins, of Cobham, Surrey, was found to have 100mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath - the legal limit is 35mg.

Wilkins was given a ten-week suspended jail sentence, ordered to do 140 hours' unpaid work and was banned from driving for four years.

Outside court he said: "I fully understand that I'll be judged for the crime I've committed and that's absolutely 100%.

"I would ask most sincerely that I will not be judged on the alcoholism problem that I have, because I am an addict.

"Unfortunately I say that."

The judge said he appreciated that Wilkins had a "genuine desire to change".

He added: "You are now someone who recognises the problem you have and you are taking steps to deal with (alcoholism).

"It will not be easy.

"This court sees many people battling addiction, so you have a tough road ahead."

Wilkins had been due to face magistrates in Uxbridge, west London, a week ago but his barrister had told the court then that the ex-midfielder was undergoing a 28-day rehabilitation course for alcoholism at the Priory Hospital in Woking. This finishes on 1 August.

Wilkins, who won 84 England caps, also played for Chelsea and Manchester United.

He also has spells with AC Milan and Paris St Germain before becoming manager and coach for teams, including Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers.

He was awarded an MBE in 1993 for services to football.