Republic of Ireland footballer Darron Gibson has admitted drink-driving following a St Patrick’s Day crash.
The 30-year-old midfielder was on his way to meet colleagues at Sunderland’s Academy of Light when he was involved in a collision on Dovedale Road on Saturday, March 17.
The collision happened as Gibson was on his way to Sunderland’s training ground, where he was due to meet up with teammates before the squad travelled to the Stadium of Light for the match against Preston North End.
The former Manchester United and Everton player, from Hale, Cheshire, was charged with drink-driving and is appearing at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Gibson entered a guilty plea and magistrates adjourned the case until May, when he will be sentenced.
They warned Gibson that, because of his past convictions and the aggravating factors in the case, he faces a possible custodial sentence.
After he was charged, Gibson and Sunderland ended his contract by mutual consent.
We had live updates from the courtroom below.