EVERTON footballer Darron Gibson has been banned from driving after a hit-and-run incident with three cyclists whilst drink-driving.
The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international was behind the wheel of his black Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo on Sunday, August 16 when it crashed into the cyclists who had stopped at the side of the road to fix a broken chain.
Gibson fled the scene before pulling into a petrol station near his home in Bowdon, Cheshire and collided with a pump.
The ex-Manchester United player pleaded guilty at Trafford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 1, to driving with excess alcohol, driving without due care and failing to stop after an accident.
Cyclist Philip Quinn was directly hit by Gibson’s car and received cuts to his legs, elbow and hand, and his £4,500 carbon composite bike was also written off.
Another cyclist, Simon Howe, suffered soreness to his hips and back. No details of the injuries sustained by the third cyclist Andrew Moran were provided to the court.
The court heard Gibson had injury problems at the time, which made him feel "very low" at not being able to play.
He had also taken "various painkillers" following an operation. Gibson told the court: "I am extremely apologetic and it was completely out of character."
The midfielder was handed a 20-month driving ban, but it could be reduced by five months if he completes a drink-driving awareness course.
He was also ordered to pay Mr Quinn compensation of £4,500 for the damaged bicycle and a further £1,000, as well as £100 each to the other two cyclists.
Gibson also received a 12-month community order, with an unpaid work requirement of 200 hours.
