Northern Ireland manager pleads guilty to drink driving

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Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill

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Northern Ireland's football Manager, Michael O'Neill, has pleaded guilty to drink driving. 

The 48 year old was found to be three times over the limit when he was stopped on the A720 on September 10th.

Sheriff Thomas Welsh QC banned O'Neill from driving for 16 months and fined him £1,300.

Mr O'Neill did not speak as he left court on Thursday.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard he was caught by police on the outskirts of the city at about 1am on September 10.

Prosecutor Chloe Shoniwa told the court that police officers had "reason to stop" Mr O'Neill as he drove on the Edinburgh city bypass between Lothianburn and Straiton.

They breathalysed him and he was found to have a breath alcohol level of 65mcg compared to the legal limit of 22mcg.

Solicitor James Mulgrew, representing Mr O'Neill, told the court: "This was simply a bad error of judgement on the part of Mr O'Neill."

He became manager in 2012 and has led Northern Ireland to unprecedented success.

O'Neill guided his side to their first ever European Championship finals in France at Euro 2016.

He's also signed a new four year deal to stay on as Northern Ireland manager. 

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