Lancashire's James Faulkner banned from driving for two years

Australia all-rounder James Faulkner has been banned from driving for two years after he admitted drink-driving.

The 25-year-old, who is currently playing for Lancashire, was nearly three times over the legal limit when his Toyota car hit the back of a BMW 3 Series vehicle in West Didsbury, Manchester, on July 2.

Faulkner, who was also fined £10,000, had already been dropped by Australia from their one-day squad to face England later this summer because of the incident.

He had been out at a local restaurant with a friend that night but chose to drive when he did not wish to walk a mile home in heavy rain, Manchester Magistrates' Court heard.

Sentencing, District Judge Mark Hadfield told him: "I am sure you accept it as foolhardy in the extreme to get behind the wheel of your vehicle having been out for a meal with your friend."

The judge said he reached the fine figure after he ruled out an unpaid work community order or a curfew because it was "unworkable" in the defendant's circumstances.

Faulkner, who was named man of the match in this year's Cricket World Cup final, is set to leave the UK later this month as his contract with Lancashire expires on August 21, although the court heard that may be extended to mid-September.