It’s just stupid what I have done...
DEATH-CRASH FOOTBALLER’S ‘EMBARRASSMENT’ AFTER NOW BEING CAUGHT DRINK-DRIVING
A FOOTBALLER jailed for causing the deaths of two siblings in a horror smash spoke of his ‘embarrassment’ after being hauled back to court for drinkdriving.
Courtney Meppen-Walter, 24, a former City player who now appears for non-league Chorley, received a 12-month community order after admitting being more than twice the legal limit in a Kia Picanto. In 2013, he was jailed for causing the deaths of a brother and sister after ploughing into their car in his Mercedes.
The court heard that in the latest incident, Meppen-Walter had been out with friends at the Christmas Markets in Manchester city centre when he was stopped by police at the junction of Great Bridgewater Street and Deansgate. After being asked if there was anything he wanted to say by magistrates, Meppen-Walter said: “I’m not sure there’s much I can say. I know what you are probably thinking and everyone else thinks. I will probably get called all the names under the sun, but I deserve it to be honest. It’s just stupid what I have done. I’m embarrassed.”
Meppen-Walter was jailed for 16 months after admitting causing the deaths of brother and sister Kulwant Singh and Ravel Kaur when his Mercedes, which was travelling at an average of 56mph in a 30mph zone, hit their car. Mrs Kaur’s two sons Amjid and Parveen, 16 and 17, were also in the vehicle. They were left fighting for their lives and suffered serious injuries after being cut free from the wreckage. The footballer, who captained England at under-18s level, was also banned from driving for three years having pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving.
Manchester magistrates court heard that at around 3.20am on December 10, police were alerted to a silver Kia Picanto being driven by Meppen-Walter, which CCTV operators had seen ‘swerving’ in the road. It appeared to have hit the kerb and stalled.
An officer, who blocked the car in could smell drink when he began speaking to Meppen-Walter, the court heard. The officer said he refused to comply before he was ‘pulled’ from the car. Believing the footballer may have tried to run away, the officer said he ‘took him to the ground,’ assisted by two members of the public.
Meppen-Walter was taken to Longsight police station, where tests showed he had 85 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35mg. He later told probation service officials he had initially planned to have one drink with friends, but that things escalated.
A report said that Meppen-Walter, who is employed as a ‘part-time professional footballer’ and as a coach, represents a ‘low likelihood of re-offending.’
Caitriona McLaughlin, defending, said her client had showed ‘genuine contrition.’
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order, including 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement. Meppen-Walter was banned from driving for 22 months. He must also complete 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £85 court costs and an £85 victim surcharge. Meppen-Walter, of Kirkstall Avenue, Heywood, pleaded guilty to one count of drink-driving and another count of driving with the front wheel cord on his tyre exposed.