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James Faulkner ‘sorry’, gets two-year driving ban

Australian all-rounder James Faulkner said he was “deeply embarrassed and sorry” after being fined £10,000 and banned from driving for two years by an English court.

The 25-year-old, who was named man of the match in this year’s Cricket World Cup final, was almost three times over the legal alcohol limit when his car was involved in a minor collision with the back of another vehicle in Manchester last month.

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Faulkner, who plays with English county Lancashire, had been at a restaurant and did not want to walk a mile home in heavy rain, Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard.

Sentencing Faulkner, District Judge Mark Hadfield said: “I am sure you accept it was foolhardy in the extreme to get behind the wheel of your vehicle having been out for a meal with your friend.”

Cricket Australia last month temporarily banned Faulkner for “conduct that is unbecoming of a representative”, meaning he will miss Australia’s limited overs matches against England and Ireland in August and September.

He will have to undergo an alcohol management counselling program.

Outside court, a statement was read to reporters on Faulkner’s behalf.

“My decision to drive that day was wholly my own and clearly it was an error in my judgement,” the statement read.

“I apologise unreservedly for my behaviour but I accept this does not and should not excuse my actions.

“I am deeply embarrassed and sorry.

“I will ensure this remains an isolated bad decision on my part.”

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