A Bradford-born England Under-21s footballer admitted drink-driving after he was stopped by police and found to be nearly twice the limit, a court heard today.

Fabian Delph, a Leeds United midfielder, was banned from driving for 18 months today after he pleaded guilty at Leeds Magistrates’ Court to drink-driving on December 23.

Delph, 19, who gave his address as Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, was also fined £1,400 and told he would have to retake his driving test.

The court heard the teenager was stopped by police in Richmond Court, Rothwell, after he was seen driving a black Vauxhall Astra, containing four passengers, at “considerable speed”.

He was breath-tested and found to have 66 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath – nearly twice the legal limit.

The court heard the League One footballer had spent the night out with friends and was not planning to drive but was encouraged to after being deemed the most sober of the group.

Richard Manning, representing Delph, told the court the teenager, who was a newly-qualified driver, was “truly sorry” for what he had done.

Mr Manning said: “Fabian comes from a difficult and disadvantaged background.

“He knows that he is a role model to young people and is truly sorry.”

Delph, who appeared in court wearing a dark suit and tie, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth and to enter his guilty plea.

He was ordered to pay £60 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge and was told his ban would be reduced if he attended a rehabilitation course.