Former Premier League star Shane Duffy slapped with huge fine after smashing into car in drink-driving crash
FORMER Premier League star Shane Duffy has been slapped with a huge fine after smashing into a car in a drink-driving crash.
The Norwich defender, 32, hit the parked motor in his Range Rover then went to a nearby house to ask if he could sit and wait for the police.
Duffy provided a breath sample of 102mg of alcohol – almost three times the legal limit of 35 micrograms.
He has now been banned from driving for three years and ordered to pay a £25,000 fine.
Duffy, who admitted driving a motor vehicle above the alcohol limit, will also have to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.
Norwich Magistrates’ Court heard the Ireland international has a similar conviction from nine years ago.
Police confirmed no one was injured in the May 6 crash in Norwich.
Duffy’s lawyer Chris Brown said because of the player’s career as a “pro-sportsman” some people will believe he has a level of “privilege” and “arrogance” but that was not the case.
The solicitor also told the court Duffy made an immediate payout to the car owner “rather than leave it in the hands of the insurers” when he found out they used it to take their children to school.
Issuing an apology on the star’s behalf, he said the former Brighton player would “reflect on his drinking”.
Norwich City confirmed it would launch internal disciplinary proceedings now the court case has ended.
Duffy began his career at Everton – playing in the Premier League and Europa League.
After stints on loan at Burnley and Scunthorpe United, he joined Blackburn Rovers in 2014 for an undisclosed fee.
Duffy remained at the club for two years before joining then-Championship side Brighton.
He helped get the club promoted to the Premier League and remained with the Seagulls until 2020 where he was sent on loan to Celtic.
Duffy returned to Brighton for a final season and signed for Norwich City in 2023 after a short spell at Fulham.
The defender, who has more than 50 international caps, made 40 appearances for the Canaries last season.