by Adam Williams

A non-league footballer has been banned from the road after admitting drink driving on Christmas Eve.

Deal Town reserves midfielder Ryan Wilson was stopped by officers in School Lane, Bekesbourne as he drove a Citroen Picasso home to Aylesham from Canterbury around 2.30am.

Moments before, he punctured the front offside tyre as the car hit a kerb and police found he had been driving on a flat tyre.

The IT graduate, from Derwent Way, was breath tested at the road side.

He was arrested and taken to Canterbury police station where a blood sample was taken. His reading was more than twice over the limit.

Ian Bond, defending, said: “This is a man with no previous convictions and with an exemplary character.

“The events of that evening will have a very considerable effect on his young life.

"He has professional qualifications and a degree and works with disabled children in a job he thoroughly enjoys.”

Canterbury Magistrates heard Wilson and his housemate had planned to go into Canterbury that night and leave their car in the city.

They would then share the cost of a taxi back to Aylesham but the pair became separated at the end of the evening.

Ian Bond added: “It was then that my defendant made the regrettable decision to drive home.”

Sentencing Wilson, magistrate David Ellerby took into account his previous good character.

He said: “It’s very sad when a case like this appears before the court.

“You are a young man of great achievement and we’re grateful for those who have supplied references on your behalf.

"It’s clear to see you’re a person of great character who regrets your actions.”

On top of his year ban, the 24-year-old was fined £100 and also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.