Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle defender Danny Simpson tries to dodge driving ban
[LNB]Newcastle defender Danny Simpson told magistrates he could not afford a chauffeur when he was facing a driving ban - despite earning a reported ?10,000 per week.[LNB]Simpson was expected to have his licence taken away after being caught doing 48mph in a 30mph zone.[LNB]The 24-year-old already had nine points in his licence but pleaded that a ban would cause him 'exceptional hardship'.[LNB] Driving ban: Simpson earns a reported ?10,000 a week with Newcastle[LNB] Despitebeing given a further four points he did not have his licence taken away immediately under the 'totting up' procedure because his lawyer announced that he would be appealing.[LNB]Pleadingfor leniency, he told Newcastle Magistrates' Court he could be sold by his club and that fears for his baby daughter's health had caused tension between him and his girlfriend Stephanie.[LNB]Standing in the dock he revealed how his daughter Skye has just been released from intensive care after being born three months premature.[LNB]He said the baby suffers from a bowel disorder which requires regular medical attention - meaning he hasto make emergency dashes to hospital.[LNB]He told the court: 'It's been tough for both of us. Our baby girl came out of hospital a few weeks ago but then she caught a virus and had to go back in.[LNB]'She came out on Friday but we have to take her to hospital at least twice a week. She's still only seven and a half pounds and has problems feeding.'[LNB]He added: 'She has problems feeding. My partner can't just get up in the morning and feed her and take me to training. With everything going on we have been arguing a lot, there's things we need to work on but it's not aboutus. It's about our little girl.'[LNB]When asked by prosecutor Fiona Varley if he could not hire a chauffeur if he lost his licence, Simpson replied: 'I don't see a chauffeur as an option because they cost a lot of money.[LNB] Battle: Simpson fights to keep hold of the ball against Queens Park Rangers last month[LNB]'I'd have to rely on teammates and taxis. I earn less money than most Premiership players although I am on good money.'[LNB]Simpson's barrister Michael Conlon later put it to him that he's no Wayne Rooney in terms of his salary.[LNB]He replied: 'No I'm not. The money I've got I want to invest for the future'.[LNB]He was caught by a speed camera doing 48mph in a 30mph zone in his Audi near the club's training ground on April 13 this year.[LNB]The right-back, from Ponteland, Newcastle, admitted the charge, but claimed 'exceptional hardship'.[LNB]The court heard the footballer has nine points on his licence including an offence of speeding in May 2008. Magistrates gave him four points for the speeding offence - giving him 13 in total.[LNB]Drivers with 12 points usually lose their licence - unless they can show 'exceptional hardship'.[LNB]Simpson was also ordered to pay a fine of ?333, prosecution costs of ?30 and a victim surcharge of ?15. He was given a six-month driving ban which was suspended pending an appeal to the crown court.[LNB] Northern Exposure: Newcastle are on the up, but will the fans ever forgive Ashley?Newcastle close in on ?8m deal for long-term target Maiga All the latest Newcastle news, features and opinion[LNB][LNB][LNB] [LNB]
