Former Wolves player banned from driving (From This Is Cheshire)

Former Wolves player banned from driving

12:10pm Friday 29th August 2008

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FORMER Warrington Wolves player John Wilshere has been banned from driving for two years after being caught drink driving on Bridge Street.

Wilshere, aged 30, who now plays for Salford City Reds, was stopped by police officers around 4.45am on Wednesday, July 23 this year.

Warrington Magistrates Court heard yesterday, Thursday, how the Papua New Guinea utility back had been out drinking in Warrington town centre earlier that night.

He was driving his Volkswagen Golf with no insurance or licence and when breathalised by officers was found to have 101 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

Wilshere, of Bandyfields Place in Salford, only possesses an Australian driving licence the court was told.

The specialist goal kicker who has also played for Leigh Centurions, admitted charges of driving over the alcohol limit, without insurance and without a licence.

Smartly dressed in a suit and tie in court, Wilshere has no previous convictions and was described as a man of impeccable character.

The Salford City Reds player was supported in court by the club’s director of rugby league, Steve Simms.

However magistrates disqualified him from driving for two years and handed him 60 hours unpaid community work and ordered him to pay £60 towards court costs.

John Wilkinson, chairman of the reds, said: “Salford City Reds are disappointed to learn that John Wilshere has been found guilty of a drink driving offence.

“The club expects a greater level of responsibility from its players both on and off the pitch and there is no excuse for any player or person to put them self in this position.

“As a result John has already been disciplined by the club.

“Since Joining Salford City Reds, John has been a true professional, a role model to our younger players and a respected team member.

“Both on and off the pitch he has represented the club with pride and dignity. “We believe this is totally out of character and we have taken the decision to support John throughout.

“John would like to say he feels totally ashamed about the incident and deeply regrets the upset and embarrassment he has caused his family, the club and its supporters.”

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