Ex-England captain Wilkins avoids jail for drink-driving
appeared before Uxbridge magistrates court in west London.
The fallen idol, who captained England 10 times in his 84 appearances, is taking part in a 28-day rehab programme for alcoholics at a Priory Clinic.
Wilkins said he knew that if he did not stop drinking he faced ruin and the end of his 30-year marriage to wife Jackie.
District Judge Tim Boswell told Wilkins that despite having two previous drink drive convictions in the past four years he was being spared jail because of his “genuine desire to change”. Asked if he was aware of the dangers Wilkins said: “Yes. Abstinence is the only way I can cure this situation.”
The court heard that Wilkins, who went on to join the coaching team at top clubs including Fulham, Aston Villa and Chelsea, spiralled into alcoholism as he struggled to cope with the end of his career. His lawyer, SarahKate McIntyre said: “Mr Wilkins is deeply ashamed and embarrassed. He appreciates the potential danger he posed to the public. He also deeply regrets the hurt he has caused his family.
“The truth is he doesn’t remember anything that happened after he left the golf club. He blacked out and this is something that has happened before.
“When he was questioned by police he said ‘that’s my life ****** ’. He is fully aware of the personal and professional consequences of his actions.
“He finds his life difficult without the team structure since he stopped playing.” The court heard that Wilkins was driving along the A4 near London’s Heathrow Airport at around 7.50pm when the motorist intervened.
Prosecutor Izolda Gribbin said: “The witness noticed he was swerving across the road, straddling a bus lane. He clipped the kerb while drinking out of the bottle.
“Mr Wilkins attempted to do a U-turn but his vehicle had to stop. To prevent an accident the witness decided to take the keys out of the ignition so he could not drive away.”
A roadside check showed he was nearly three times the legal limit with 100mg of alcohol in a breath test. The legal limit is 35.
Wilkins, of Cobham, Surrey, spent the night in a police cell. When he was released the following morning he featured on talkSPORT radio talking about England’s defeat by Iceland in Euro 2016.
He launched into a stuttering rant. Listeners went on social media and questioned whether he had been drinking.