Norwich City defender Shane Duffy, 32, is handed driving ban and £27,000 fine after crashing his Range Rover while drunk

Irish football player Shane Duffy crashed his Range Rover while intoxicated, earning him a fine of almost £27,000

and a driving restriction.

On May 6, while nearly three times over the limit, the Norwich City defender and Republic of Ireland international

was taken into custody in Hethersett, Norfolk.

At nine o’clock at night, a Ford Fiesta that was parked close to the Queen’s Head pub on Norwich Road was struck by

the 32-year-old’s matte black Range Rover 4×4.

Fortunately, no one was hurt in the horrific collision, but the Fiesta was left crushed against a wall and parts of the

two wrecked cars were left strewn across the road.

Duffy made his appearance at Norwich Magistrates’ Court today, where he merely spoke to verify his identity and

other personal information and to enter a guilty plea to drunk driving.

According to prosecutor Rima Begum, he was discovered at the scene of the collision by responding police, and he

had confessed to them that he was intoxicated.

During a breathalyser test, he tested nearly three times the allowed limit of 35 mg of alcohol, with 102 mg.

48 hours after the Canaries’ last regular-season match and a few days prior to their play-off matchup with Leeds

United, the incident occurred.

‘He apologises to all those involved, anyone harmed by his behaviour and the wider community,’ said Chris Brown,

who was providing mitigation.

“His contrition and apology are sincere.” He acknowledges that things need to change and makes no excuses.

He claimed that after the collision, Duffy remained at the location and asked nearby residents to take his car keys off

of him so that he could contact the police.

“There is a misconception that someone who has advantages in life and money causes arrogance and a lack of

responsibility; that is not the case here,” Mr. Brown continued.

He takes seriously his role and obligations in the community as a professional athlete.

Without waiting for an insurance payout, Duffy had already voluntarily covered the cost of the damage and made up

for the other car’s owner’s discomfort.

Magistrates fined him £25,000, ordered him to pay £2,085 in costs, and prohibited him from driving for three years.

Since joining City from Fulham in the summer, the defender has been a consistent member of the team.

In the past, he has played for Brighton, Burnley, Celtic, Everton, and Blackburn. Last season, he made 40

appearances and scored one goal.

‘Norwich City notes today’s ruling at Norwich Magistrates’ Court involving one of its first team players, Shane Duffy,’

the club said in a statement.

“The club will now proceed with its own internal disciplinary procedure as the legal proceedings have concluded.”