Gazza’s eight-week jail sentence suspended by Newcastle court

LONDON - Former England football star Paul Gascoigne’s eight-week jail sentence has been suspended by a Newcastle Magistrates’ Court in recognition of his progress in a rehabilitation clinic.

Gascoigne was earlier handed a two-month jail term, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to undergo treatment for alcoholism after he admitted to drink-driving.

The 43-year-old was also banned from driving for three years, subject to a 12-month supervision order and was asked to undertake a six-month drink programme after rehab.

The court was on Thursday told that Gascoigne was five weeks into a 12-week anti-drink programme in Dorset.

District Judge Stephen Earl said the prison sentence was suspended in recognition of Gascoigne’s progress at the Providence Rehab Clinic, and told him that it was his last chance to avoid prison.

“I am sure some will disagree with me. I hope not to see you again,” the BBC quoted Judge Earl, as saying.

The judge, however, warned Gascoigne that if he re-offended in the next 12 months, the jail term would be triggered.

Gazza was caught driving an MG car erratically by police in Jesmond, Newcastle, on October 8 at 2.45pm.

He had 142mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in Newcastle, while the legal limit is only 35mg. (ANI)