Footballer Jason Dozzell sentenced for drug-driving
- Published
Jason Dozzell has played for Colchester United, Ipswich Town and Tottenham Hotspur
Former footballer Jason Dozzell has been sentenced for driving while under the influence of drugs.
The 51-year-old, from Rushmere St Andrew, Suffolk, was stopped in Foxhall Road, Ipswich, on 5 June with a drug level of 800ug, 16 times over the "accidental exposure" limit.
Dozzell, who played for Tottenham Hotspur, Ipswich Town and Colchester United, pleaded guilty at Ipswich Magistrates' Court.
He was given a driving ban and fined.
After pulling over Dozzell's Mercedes at 01:15 BST, after a tip-off, police said he looked "nervous and was sweating", the court heard.
Jason Dozzell: The top flight's youngest goalscorer
Jason Dozzell has played for Colchester United, Ipswich Town and Tottenham Hotspur
Dozzell became the youngest player to score in the top flight at just 16 years and 57 days, a record he still holds
He started his career at Ipswich town in 1983
He moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 1993 until 1997, including a brief loan spell back with Ipswich in 1997
He also played for Northampton Town and Colchester United during his career
Benzoylecgonine was in his system, a compound commonly found in cocaine.
Mark Wyeth QC, mitigating, told the court Dozzell had "underlying issues concerning health".
The court heard Dozzell had no money of his own was living with his son Andre, a current Ipswich Town player.
Jason Dozzell was fined after admitting driving after taking cocaine
His barrister's fees were being paid for by Ipswich Town.
Dozzell also admitted driving not in accordance with his licence, which had a condition that he must drive wearing glasses or contact lenses.
He told officers he was wearing just one contact lens when he was pulled over.
'Danger to public'
Dozzell was accompanied to court by Lee O'Neill, the club's general manager of football operations, and former Ipswich player and friend Simon Milton.
The bench chairwoman, Pauline Burrell-Saward, said Dozzell's actions had created "a danger to yourself and the general public".
Dozzell thanked well-wishers for supporting him, in a statement via his solicitors.
The statement said: "He fully accepts the findings of the court and is determined to overcome the difficult challenges that lie ahead."
Simon Milton, left, was in court with Dozzell, second left
An Ipswich Town spokesperson said: "We obviously don't condone the actions that have resulted in Jason's appearance in court.
"He has acknowledged that he is going through a difficult stage in his life and where possible we will assist him through the challenges he faces."
Dozzell was ordered to pay a £440 fine for drug-driving, and banned from driving for 14 months.