A SALFORD City Reds player has been banned from driving for two years, after being caught drink driving in Warrington the day after the Reds were awarded Super League status.

John Wilshere, the 30-year-old utility back, was stopped by police officers around 4.45am on July 23.

Warrington Magistrates Court heard that the Papua New Guinea test player was driving his Volkswagen Golf with no insurance or licence, and was found to have 101 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

Wilshere, of Bandyfields Place in Salford, only possesses an Australian driving licence the court was told.

The ex-Leigh Centurions player, described as a man of impeccable character with no previous convictions, admitted charges of driving over the alcohol limit, without insurance and without a licence.

John Wilkinson, chairman of the reds, said: "Salford City Reds are disappointed to learn that John Wilshere has been found guilty of a drink driving offence.

"The club expects a greater level of responsibility from its players both on and off the pitch and there is no excuse for any player or person to put themself in this position.

"As a result John has already been disciplined by the club.

"Since joining Salford City Reds, John has been a true professional, a role model to our younger players and a respected team member.

"Both on and off the pitch he has represented the club with pride and dignity.

"We believe this is totally out of character and we have taken the decision to support John throughout.

"John would like to say he feels totally ashamed about the incident and deeply regrets the upset and embarrassment he has caused his family, the club and its supporters."

Warrington Magistrates disqualified him from driving for two years and handed him 60 hours unpaid community work and ordered him to pay £60 towards court costs.

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