Former Premier League star Clarke Carlisle pleaded guilty to a drink driving offence at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court today.
Police saw Carlisle, 35, “swerving” his Mercedes car in Pentonville Road on 20 December at 7am, almost hitting a lorry in the process.
Zahid Hussain, prosecuting, told the court that Carlisle’s car was “swerving in the lane, to the pavement on the nearside, almost mounting the pavement”.
Mr Hussain added that the officers who spoke to Carlisle reported that “alcohol was smelled on his breath”.
Carlisle pleaded guilty to failing to provide a sample to police after the incident.
The court was told that the ex-Leeds United player did not blow into the breathalyser for long enough when tested at the roadside.
When taken to Islington Police Station, Carlisle did not cooperate, saying: “Sergeant, I would like to speak to my counsel first.”
Carlisle pleaded guilty to another charge of driving otherwise than in accordance with a license.
Deputy District Judge Margaret Dodds said that Carlisle would “inevitably” be disqualified when he appears for sentencing on 14 May.
Krystelle Wass, defending, said: “Two days after the incident Mr Carlisle attempted suicide, which is why matters have taken some time to come to court.”
Ms Wass also clarified that Carlisle was dealing with “ongoing mental health issues”.
The deputy district judge confirmed her intention to order reports ahead of sentencing as Carlisle “is clearly in some trouble”.
The deputy district judge told the former Watford player that his early guilty plea would earn him credit but did not fail to mention his “bad record”, which includes excess-drinking offences in 1999 and 2011.
Carlisle was released on unconditional bail.
