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Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett plead guilty to drink-driving Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett plead guilty to drink-driving
(32 minutes later)
Derby County footballers Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett have pleaded guilty to drink-driving.Derby County footballers Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett have pleaded guilty to drink-driving.
The pair were charged after a Range Rover Sport and Mercedes GLC crashed in Derby after a team-building dinner.The pair were charged after a Range Rover Sport and Mercedes GLC crashed in Derby after a team-building dinner.
At the city's magistrates' court they also admitted failing to stop at the scene of the crash on 24 September.At the city's magistrates' court they also admitted failing to stop at the scene of the crash on 24 September.
The court heard Lawrence, 25, gave a breath test reading of 58mcg per 100ml and Bennett a reading of 64. The legal limit is 35mcg per 100ml.The court heard Lawrence, 25, gave a breath test reading of 58mcg per 100ml and Bennett a reading of 64. The legal limit is 35mcg per 100ml.
Marianne Connally, prosecuting, said the players were driving home at about 23:30 BST after a night out at the Joiner's Arms pub.Marianne Connally, prosecuting, said the players were driving home at about 23:30 BST after a night out at the Joiner's Arms pub.
A car driven by Welsh international Lawrence crashed into the back of Bennett's on the A6 in Allestree.A car driven by Welsh international Lawrence crashed into the back of Bennett's on the A6 in Allestree.
Lawrence's car then went across a roundabout before smashing into "street furniture", the prosecutor added.Lawrence's car then went across a roundabout before smashing into "street furniture", the prosecutor added.
Ms Connally said a paramedic crew witnessed the crash "entirely by chance" and came to the aid of two passengers at the scene as the defendants fled.Ms Connally said a paramedic crew witnessed the crash "entirely by chance" and came to the aid of two passengers at the scene as the defendants fled.
Lawrence and Bennett, 23, returned to the scene about 45 minutes later and were arrested.Lawrence and Bennett, 23, returned to the scene about 45 minutes later and were arrested.
Derby captain Richard Keogh, who was a passenger in one of the cars, sustained a knee injury that has ruled him out for up to 15 months.Derby captain Richard Keogh, who was a passenger in one of the cars, sustained a knee injury that has ruled him out for up to 15 months.
Lucy Whitaker, defending Bennett, said he had been sick at the pub after being "pressured" to drink a Jagerbomb shot by team-mates.Lucy Whitaker, defending Bennett, said he had been sick at the pub after being "pressured" to drink a Jagerbomb shot by team-mates.
He admitted he had drunk "some alcohol" on the night, but was driving "perfectly normally" on the way home when the crash occurred, Ms Bennett said.He admitted he had drunk "some alcohol" on the night, but was driving "perfectly normally" on the way home when the crash occurred, Ms Bennett said.
Bennett "panicked" and then left the scene, before returning after he received a call from Lawrence, the court heard.Bennett "panicked" and then left the scene, before returning after he received a call from Lawrence, the court heard.
Shaun Draycott, defending Lawrence, said references - including from Wales manager Ryan Giggs - suggested he was a "decent young man who behaved out of character".
Mr Draycott said Lawrence had become "quite dependent" on alcohol since the death of his mother, to whom he was very close.
Lawrence had made a "gross error of judgement" which is a "matter of extreme regret", he added.
Lawrence, of Duffield, and Bennett, of Whaley Thorns near Mansfield, were fined six weeks' wages by the club after the crash.Lawrence, of Duffield, and Bennett, of Whaley Thorns near Mansfield, were fined six weeks' wages by the club after the crash.
Derby also condemned the players for bringing the club into disrepute following the "alcohol-related incident". Derby County also condemned the players for bringing the club into disrepute following the "alcohol-related incident".
Lawrence signed for Derby from Leicester City for £5m in August 2017, while Bennett came through the Rams' youth system.Lawrence signed for Derby from Leicester City for £5m in August 2017, while Bennett came through the Rams' youth system.
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