Prem ace banned from driving after committing offence for second time
PREMIER League ace Miguel Almiron was slapped with a road ban for failing to identify the driver of his car — for a second time.
Police requested the information after someone was spotted using a phone while at the wheel of the Newcastle United winger’s Range Rover, JPs heard.
Almiron did not respond and has now been banned from driving for six months after magistrates said they were “satisfied beyond reasonable doubt” that he was the driver.
The Paraguayan, 29, was given the punishment under the totting up process after he failed to also provide driver details on an earlier occasion.
He was seen allegedly using his mobile while driving near Newcastle’s training camp in December last year by a member of the public who tipped off police.
Their inquiries led them to car company Lex Auto Leases, which confirmed Almiron was the registered driver — but correspondence to the star’s address was ignored.
Almiron, who was in Paraguay on Tuesday to play in their 1-0 victory over Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier, did not attend Gateshead magistrates’ court for Thursday’s hearing.
The Toon fans’ favourite was fined £660 and ordered to pay court costs.
The mobile phone use allegation was thrown out.
The court case caps a tough week for Newcastle with Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, 23, facing a lengthy ban for alleged betting offences.
The £55million summer buy from AC Milan missed Italy’s Euro 2024 qualifier with England at Wembley on Tuesday after he was sent home from the squad having been quizzed by cops.
Tonali, said by his agent to be a gambling addict, faces a ban of up to five years after confessing to betting on Milan while at the club.
Newcastle, who host Crystal Palace today, said: “Sandro will continue to co-operate with all relevant authorities. He and his family will continue to receive the club’s full support.”
The club declined to comment on Almiron’s ban.