'I've let my family down': Wayne Rooney apologises as he's BANNED from driving for two years, given 100 hours' community service and fined just 12 minutes' pay after being stopped three times over the limit at the wheel of party girl's Beetle

  • Wayne Rooney pleaded guilty to a drink driving charge at Stockport Magistrates' Court this morning
  • The former England captain was three times over the drink driving limit when he was stopped by police 
  • The Everton striker was handed a 24 month driving ban and given 100 hours' community service 
  • In a statement issued after the plea he apologised to his family for his 'unforgivable lack of judgment'
  • The footballer appeared in court with his wedding ring on but there was no sign of his wife Coleen 
  • Rooney was stopped by police on September 1 while driving 29-year-old party girl Laura Simpson home

Advertisement

Former England captain Wayne Rooney has apologised for his 'unforgivable lack of judgement' as he was banned from driving for two years and given 100 hours' community service today. 

The 31-year-old was stopped by police while driving 29-year-old party girl Laura Simpson home from a night out in her Volkswagen Beetle in Wilmslow, Cheshire, at 2am on September 1. Rooney was stopped because Miss Simpson's car had a faulty brake light. 

Rooney was almost three times the legal limit. His breath reading was 104mg per 100ml of blood. The legal limit is 35mg.

The Everton striker was handed a 24 month driving ban and given 100 hours' community service as part of a 12-month community order imposed at Stockport Magistrates' Court today.

Rooney was also told to pay £85 prosecution costs and a victim surcharge for the same amount. 

In a statement issued after the plea he apologised for his 'unforgivable lack of judgment'. He appeared in court with his wedding ring on but there was no sign of his wife Coleen.

Rooney's lawyer told the judge the footballer had 'let his family down, very badly'.  

Former England captain Wayne Rooney (pictured arriving at court) pleaded guilty to a drink driving charge today - he was banned from driving for 24 months and given 100 hours' community service 

Former England captain Wayne Rooney (pictured arriving at court) pleaded guilty to a drink driving charge today - he was banned from driving for 24 months and given 100 hours' community service 

Rooney apologised for his 'unforgivable lack of judgement' after pleading guilty to a drink-driving charge (pictured: leaving Stockport Magistrates' Court with his agent Paul Stretford)

Rooney apologised for his 'unforgivable lack of judgement' after pleading guilty to a drink-driving charge (pictured: leaving Stockport Magistrates' Court with his agent Paul Stretford)

Rooney bows his head as he departs Stockport Magistrates' Court with agent Paul Stretford (pictured left) after pleading guilty to a drink drive charge 

Rooney bows his head as he departs Stockport Magistrates' Court with agent Paul Stretford (pictured left) after pleading guilty to a drink drive charge 

Everton footballer Wayne Rooney has been banned from driving for two years and given 100 hours' community service (pictured: arriving at court today)

Everton footballer Wayne Rooney has been banned from driving for two years and given 100 hours' community service (pictured: arriving at court today)

The former England captain apologised for his 'unforgivable lack of judgment' in a statement issued after his plea (pictured: entering the court with his entourage) 

The former England captain apologised for his 'unforgivable lack of judgment' in a statement issued after his plea (pictured: entering the court with his entourage) 

Rooney arrived at court along with his agent Paul Stretford and flanked by two burly security guards

Rooney arrived at court along with his agent Paul Stretford and flanked by two burly security guards

The Everton striker, 31, made no comment as he was confronted by a media scrum as he arrived at Stockport Magistrates' Court - he pleaded guilty when he appeared at court and was given 100 hours of community service and a 24 month driving ban 

The Everton striker, 31, made no comment as he was confronted by a media scrum as he arrived at Stockport Magistrates' Court - he pleaded guilty when he appeared at court and was given 100 hours of community service and a 24 month driving ban 

Rooney arrived at Stockport Magistrates' Court in the private hire Mercedes Vito Van (pictured) - he is expected to rely on a chauffeur for the two years he is banned from driving 

Rooney arrived at Stockport Magistrates' Court in the private hire Mercedes Vito Van (pictured) - he is expected to rely on a chauffeur for the two years he is banned from driving 

In his statement Rooney said: 'Following today's court hearing I want publicly to apologise for my unforgivable lack of judgment in driving while over the legal limit. It was completely wrong.

'I have already said sorry to my family, my manager and chairman and everyone at Everton FC. Now I want to apologise to all the fans and everyone else who has followed and supported me throughout my career.

'Of course I accept the sentence of the court and hope that I can make some amends through my community service.' 

Shortly after the court hearing Rooney also tweeted his statement of apology to his 16.3 million followers, which was met with a mixed response. He left court in a private hire Mercedes Vito Van. 

Sorry, sorry, sorry: Rooney's grovelling apologies to the court, his family and his fans 

Michael Rainford, defending, said his client accepted the facts of the prosecution case in full.

He told the judge: 'What I would say, through me, Wayne Rooney wishes to express his genuine remorse for what was a terrible mistake, a terrible error of judgment on his part that evening.

'He realises he has not only let himself down very badly but his family.

'He has a wife and three young children.

'Of course he has let down the fans, the young people who look up to him.'  

The court heard that Rooney had also written a letter to the judge - which has not yet been disclosed - and that a 'bundle' of character references had been submitted. 

In a statement issued after the plea Rooney apologised for his 'unforgivable lack of judgment'.

He said: 'Following today's court hearing I want publicly to apologise for my unforgivable lack of judgement in driving while over the legal limit. It was completely wrong.

'I have already said sorry to my family, my manager and chairman and everyone at Everton FC. Now I want to apologise to all the fans and everyone else who has followed and supported me throughout my career.

'Of course I accept the sentence of the court and hope that I can make some amends through my community service.' 

He also tweeted his statement of apology to his 16.3million followers. 

Advertisement

Rooney's lawyer, Michael Rainford, said he 'expresses his remorse for a terrible error of judgement'.

He said it's 'likely he will be fined by Everton, probably two weeks' salary', which amounts to around £300,000.  

He said: 'Upon stopping and speaking to the police officer he was fully co-operative and compliant both at the roadside and also at the police station later on, to the extent that the officers who dealt with Mr Rooney said he was the perfect gentleman.

'What I would say, through me, Wayne Rooney wishes to express his genuine remorse for what was a terrible mistake, a terrible error of judgment on his part that evening.

'He realises he has not only let himself down very badly but his family.

'He has a wife and three young children. Of course he has let down the fans, the young people who look up to him.'

The court heard that Rooney had written a letter to the judge and that a 'bundle' of character references had been submitted.

Mr Rainford said: 'He works with Alder Hey (hospital), Claire House (children's hospice), the NSPCC, his own foundation, the Manchester United Foundation and Everton In The Community.

'He is not somebody who pays lip service to the charities as so many often do.

'This is somebody who is actually hands on with the work he carries out.

'It is something that is very close to his heart. I think perhaps a lot of people are not aware of it. It is not something he shouts from the rooftops. He just gets on with it.'

He said the footballer was used to media pressure but 'this case has seen unbelievable media focus every day.

'There has been intense focus on him and on his family as well.'  

Rooney's legal team asked District Judge John Temperley to consider not imposing a community order because of his ongoing charitable work.

However the judge said he was 'not convinced' that imposing a large fine 'would have the same effect'.

The judge told him: 'This was a serious offence that you admitted.

'You were driving a motor vehicle nearly three times the limit. You were carrying a passenger which is an aggravating factor.

'As your own letter acknowledges you placed yourself and other road users at risk as a result of your poor judgment. I take it on board you are a young man with no similar previous convictions.

'I have read a bundle of character references handed in on your behalf and they speak very highly of you as a person.

'I accept your remorse is genuine. I am aware of the adverse effects that this has had on you but perhaps more importantly on your family.' 

Rooney was also told to pay £85 prosecution costs and a victim surcharge for the same amount. 

Wearing a blue suit with his hands in his pockets, he walked into the court building accompanied by a small entourage

Wearing a blue suit with his hands in his pockets, he walked into the court building accompanied by a small entourage

Rooney (pictured arriving at court this morning) was arrested by Cheshire Police on September 1 after officers pulled him over on Altrincham Road and was released on bail later that day

Rooney (pictured arriving at court this morning) was arrested by Cheshire Police on September 1 after officers pulled him over on Altrincham Road and was released on bail later that day

Rooney, pictured wearing a blue suit, arrived at Stockport Magistrates' Court this morning where he pleaded guilty to a drink drive charge and was given a two year driving ban and 100 hours of community service 

Rooney, pictured wearing a blue suit, arrived at Stockport Magistrates' Court this morning where he pleaded guilty to a drink drive charge and was given a two year driving ban and 100 hours of community service 

He was stopped by police while driving Miss Simpson home from a night out in her Volkswagen Beetle on September 1 while his pregnant wife and their three sons were on holiday.

She has claimed she would have had sex with the Everton footballer if he hadn't been pulled over by police and said the arrest 'spoiled the night'. 

The £40,000-a-year sales manager said she met the footballer when he complimented her 32E breasts during a 10-hour drinking session and claimed the pair had 'kissed and cuddled'. 

The brunette was pictured making her way to work today after parking up her VW Beetle that Rooney was caught driving. 

Laura Simpson, 29, pictured on her way to work this morning after parking her Volkswagen Beetle that Rooney was caught driving 

Laura Simpson, 29, pictured on her way to work this morning after parking her Volkswagen Beetle that Rooney was caught driving 

Simpson, 29, said she left a bar with the former England captain hoping to 'have some fun' while his pregnant wife was in Majorca with their three sons, adding that they would have had sex if they hadn't have been stopped
Simpson, 29, said she left a bar with the former England captain hoping to 'have some fun' while his pregnant wife was in Majorca with their three sons, adding that they would have had sex if they hadn't have been stopped

Simpson, 29, said she left a bar with the former England captain hoping to 'have some fun' while his pregnant wife was in Majorca with their three sons, adding that they would have had sex if they hadn't have been stopped

Simpson, who allowed Rooney to drive her VW Beetle (pictured) at 2am, said the pair had 'kissed and cuddled' after he complimented her on her breasts

Simpson, who allowed Rooney to drive her VW Beetle (pictured) at 2am, said the pair had 'kissed and cuddled' after he complimented her on her breasts

Police wait outside Stockport Magistrates' Court this morning ahead of Rooney's hearing

Police wait outside Stockport Magistrates' Court this morning ahead of Rooney's hearing

Rooney was arrested by Cheshire Police after officers pulled him over on Altrincham Road. 

Kate Gaskell, prosecuting, said a police officer on patrol was on duty at 2.10am when they noticed the rear tail-light of a Volkswagen Beetle on the left hand side had gone out.

She said the officer intended to follow the vehicle but it pulled over with Rooney seen to be at the wheel with a female in the front passenger seat.

Ms Gaskell said the footballer provided a positive roadside breath test before he was taken to a police station where the reading was confirmed. He was released on bail later that day.  

Some 10 hours earlier he met up with former Manchester United team mate Wes Brown and Burnley defender Phil Bardsley's younger brother to begin their night.

The trio went for a meal at Italian restaurant Piccolino in Alderley Edge at around 4pm and then moved onto the plush Bubble Room bar where they partied until 10pm.

The footballer had been pictured in a selfie with cricketer Jack McIver in the Bubble Room bar. 

Mr McIver shared the photo on Instagram at around 10pm on August 31, with the comment: 'International Break #legend.' 

Onlookers saw the trio singing and dancing to local band Funky Treacle, who were playing Oasis covers and Rooney was seen bellowing their rendition of Wonderwall at around 10pm.

Ms Simpson is believed to have been introduced to Rooney where they 'had a laugh' drinking prosecco and vodka together.

Brunette Miss Simpson admitted Rooney ogled her boobs saying, 'I'd like to get my hands on those' and they shared a drunken kiss and cuddle.

She claims the footballer left through the back of Symposium in Wilmslow and ordered them a taxi to her car, parked less than a mile away. She said Rooney drove because he was left intoxicated.  

Miss Simpson, a single mother of one, from Irlam, near Manchester, told MailOnline she would have slept with Rooney if he had not been arrested.

She said she would have 's******' him if he had not been pulled over by the police. 

Laura Simpson was with Rooney when he was arrested
She went on ITV's This Morning

Rooney was with Miss Simpson (left), who went on This Morning (right) to describe her night out with the football star

Rooney's wife, Coleen, announced last month that she is is expecting the couple's fourth child. He has been married to his high-school sweetheart since 2008.

She is said to have been 'livid' with her husband and fled to her parents with their three children Kai, Klay and Kit after the revelations came to light.  

Rooney was given a warm welcome at Old Trafford and left the field to a standing ovation on his return to Manchester United on Sunday but it ended in disappointment with a 4-0 thrashing for Everton. 

Rooney's wife, Coleen, announced last month that she is is expecting the couple's fourth child

Rooney's wife, Coleen, announced last month that she is is expecting the couple's fourth child

Everton manager Ronald Koeman said earlier this month the matter would be dealt with 'internally'.

Rooney has made a mixed start to his second Everton spell following his return to the club from United, scoring on his first two Premier League appearances.

His form moved England manager Gareth Southgate to offer him an international recall, but he decided to call time on his England career.

However his boyhood club are currently 18th in the the Premier League after three successive Premier League defeats. 

Rooney's punishment has been criticised on social media, with many saying the compensation was far too lenient for a man of his means.

One poster wrote: ‘Wayne Rooney slapped with a two-week fine of £320,000 by Everton, you have a wife and kids man grow up and get real.’

Another posted: ‘I am glad that Rooney is facing consequences for drunk driving. Him being a footballer shouldn’t give him a ‘’get out of jail free card.’’

One fumed: ‘As if people are actually defending Wayne Rooney?!’

On tweeter said: ‘£170 fine. Are you kidding me?? The fine is meant to be in line with a week’s wages. £170 is just Rooney opening his eyes in the morning.’ 

Another said: 'I'm a massive Rooney fan, even though he's no longer red. But what an idiot, time to grow up Wayne #dontdrinkanddrive' 

A night on the tiles: Wayne Rooney's binge

1pm: Wayne Rooney leaves training in Halewood, Merseyside

4pm: Diners spot Rooney eating at Italian restaurant Piccolino in Alderley Edge. One posted on Facebook: 'Casually sitting next to Wayne Rooney!'

10pm: County cricketer Jack McIver takes pictures with Rooney at Bubble Room in Alderley Edge

2am: Revellers say they saw Wes Brown and Wayne Rooney partying at Symposium in Wilmslow into the early hours

Just after 2am: Rooney is arrested by Cheshire Police just outside Symposium

1.20pm: Police confirm Rooney has been charged with driving whilst over the prescribed limit

Advertisement
 

The hundreds of thousands of pounds-worth of cars that Wayne Rooney WON'T be driving for the next two years (and the pimped-out chauffeur-driven Transit taking him home today)

Rooney is expected to employ a driver for the next 24 months and was seen departing Stockport Magistrates' Court today in a chauffeur-driven Mercedes Vito Van.

Rooney has owned several luxury motors during his glittering career, including an Aston Martin, a Mercedes and a Cadillac. 

His more recent motors are a far cry from the modest blue Ford Ka he had while a teenage sensation in his first spell at Everton, which also had a personalised number plate 'Roo N1'.

Here MailOnline looks at the supercars England's record goalscorer will have to leave in his garage for the next two years.   

 

Bright Orange Bentley GT

Rooney turned heads when he turned up to training for Manchester United at the club's Carrington complex in a £250,000 Bentley.

The motor can do 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 206 mph.

Rooney arrived at Manchester United training in January this year in the orange Bentley GT

Rooney arrived at Manchester United training in January this year in the orange Bentley GT

BMW i8

Rooney was mobbed by Evertonians when he entered the ground in a BMW i8 on his return to his boyhood club.

The flash motor costs more than £100,000 and has a maximum speed of 155mph. It goes from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds.  

The Everton striker has been spotted most recently in the front seat of a £104,000 BMW i8

The Everton striker has been spotted most recently in the front seat of a £104,000 BMW i8

Audi Q7  

The 31-year-old was often seen arriving and leaving Carrington in the Audi during his last indifferent season at Manchester United.

The supercar costs £50,000 and has a top speed of 144mph. It travels from 0-60mph in 7.3 seconds. 

Rooney has proved to be an enthusiastic collector of cars and also owns this Audi Q7

Rooney has proved to be an enthusiastic collector of cars and also owns this Audi Q7

Range Rover modified by Overfinch 

The former Manchester United forward had his £200,000 Range Rover customised and it was the last car he drove before pleading guilty to the charges. 

The average speed of the car is between 128-161mph. It goes from 0-60mph in eight seconds. 

This is the car Rooney has been pictured in most recently when arriving at Finch Farm

This is the car Rooney has been pictured in most recently when arriving at Finch Farm

Mercedes Vito Van

Rooney left Stockport Magistrates' Court today in a private hire Mercedes Vito Van.

He was handed a 24 month driving ban and given 100 hours' community service as part of a 12-month community order. 

Rooney's lawyer said the footballer could reduce his ban by 24 weeks if he completed a drink driving rehabilitation course by next February.

The Everton forward is expected to employ a chauffeur during the two-year period he is banned from driving.

Rooney left Stockport Magistrates' Court today in a private hire Mercedes Vito Van

Rooney left Stockport Magistrates' Court today in a private hire Mercedes Vito Van

 

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.