Craig Bellamy has been convicted of drink-driving and disqualified from driving for 18 months
SKY SPORTS pundit Craig Bellamy has been convicted of drink-driving after overtaking a police car on the A48.
The former Wales international footballer, was disqualified from driving for 18 months after pleading guilty to one charge at Cardiff Magistrates Court today (TUESDAY, MARCH 26)
The ex-Cardiff City player was driving a black Mercedes Benz when he passed the marked police car on the A48 Eastern Avenue, Cardiff, towards Llandaff, on March 9, 2019.
Bellamy’s solicitor, Sian Brain, said the star had been drinking during the day and had no intention of driving that evening.
After receiving a lift back to his property on Drewston Road, Old St Mellons, Bellamy slept and ate.
Later that evening Bellamy received a distressed call from his partner.
Bellamy leaves Cardiff Magistrates Court this afternoon
Bellamy’s solicitor said that because he had eaten and slept, he no longer believed he was under the influence and decided to drive.
“He now realises this was bad judgement and is deeply ashamed and remorseful for his actions that lead to this event,” said the solicitor.
The police car he passed was driving at around 40mph at the time.
Bellamy was breathalysed and found to have 67 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.The legal limit in Wales and England is 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
He was arrested and taken to a police station.
District Judge Mr Jenkins imposed a £650 fine, and disqualified Bellamy from driving for 18 months.
The ban will be reduced if the pundit completes a speed awareness course before March 25, 2020.
Craig Bellamy in his time as a player with Cardiff City FC
It is not the first time Bellamy has been disqualified from driving. He was previously banned for six months in 2013.
The former Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester City star was caught speeding on the M62 going into Liverpool.
Bellamy was driving an Audi Q7 at 64mph in a 50mph limit section of the road at the time.
He was disqualified for six months and ordered to pay a £900 fine plus £400 costs.
He also received a caution for common assault in February 2011 following a disturbance in Cardiff city centre the previous month.
Bellamy finished his stellar playing career with his hometown club Cardiff City, making 55 appearances and scoring six goal between 2012 and 2014, spearheading the club’s charge to promotion to the Premier League in 2013.
The striker, who also played for Celtic, West Ham, Norwich City and Coventry City, is also facing an investigation into alleged bullying during his time as a youth coach at Cardiff City FC.
In a statement issued on Thursday January 3, 2019 he said: “I am aware of allegations that have been made against me via the media.
“I understand the need for Cardiff City to undertake a full investigation in response to these allegations and – at my own suggestion – I have temporarily removed myself from my coaching position in order to cooperate fully with the club’s inquiry.
“Obviously, I am saddened both by the allegations and the manner in which they were made and I categorically refute them. I fully expect to return to my coaching role and have sought legal advice as to my position. I will be making no further comment until the full investigation by the club has concluded.”
