Hibs star Darren McCormack apologises for drink driving

HIBS defender, Darren McCormack, has apologised to fans and the club after being caught driving with over twice the legal limit of alcohol in his blood.

• Darren McCormack

The 21-year-old, who lives in the Lochend area of the city, pled guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to the charge on Wednesday. He was fined 500 and banned from driving for 12 months.

Today in a statement he said he was sorry and apologised to supporters.

He said: "I understand that it was irresponsible and wrong to drive a car under the influence of alcohol. I would also like to say sorry to the supporters, the manager and everyone connected with Hibernian. My actions were completely unacceptable and I deeply regret my behaviour. I am now absolutely determined to concentrate fully on my football career having learned a valuable lesson."

The player pled guilty to driving with 172 milligrammes of alcohol in his blood when the legal limit is 80 on 7 February. He also admitted having no insurance and no licence. The offences covered John's Place, Duke Street and Leith Walk.

Defence solicitor George More had told the court: "Because of his attitude to this offence and the club's attitude, he does not now take a drink at all."

Today the club's Chief Executive Scott Lindsay said: "The matter has now been settled through the judicial system and Darren has also been dealt with through the Club's own disciplinary procedure.

"The outcome of the internal procedure will remain private between the Club and player. There are no excuses for what happened and Darren fully understands that his behaviour fell well short of that expected by the Club. He has accepted the penalties imposed and must now focus on making the most of his talents as a professional footballer."