Hearts’ Ryan Stevenson banned for drink driving

HEARTS midfielder Ryan Stevenson was criticised by a Sheriff for his “arrogance” after he was caught driving nearly three times over the limit.

Hearts football player Ryan Stevenson leaves Ayr Sheriff Picture: James Williamson

The 28-year-old - who was in the Scotland squad for a 2011 friendly against Cyprus - was caught when police received an anonymous tip-off that he drove after a drinking session in Elliots nightclub in Prestwick, Ayrshire.

Stephanie Blair, prosecuting, told Ayr Sheriff Court that officers stopped Stevenson nearby at 2.30am and detected a strong smell of alcohol from his breath.

The former Ayr United player who stays in Dundonald, near Troon, admitted driving on April 7 in Station Road, Prestwick with a breath count of 96mg - the legal limit is 35mg.

His solicitor, Elaine Rae, said: “Mr Stevenson expresses genuine remorse in respect of his actions.

“He had been in Elliots and then was guilty of a gross error of judgement.”

After he failed the roadside breath test in his Jaguar XKR, Stevenson was taken to Ayr where he was held in custody overnight.

The previous day he had captained Hearts to a 4-2 victory over Ross County.

Sheriff Desmond Leslie banned Stevenson from driving for 20 months and fined him £1500.

The Sheriff told him: “It seems to me that given what you do for a living, this was particularly stupid on your part - whether as a result of arrogance or a sense of just doing what you want to do, I don’t know.

“But on this occasion you presented yourself in a way which was certainly not a role model.”