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Sunday 22/02/2026

Paul Ince Receives 12-Month Driving Ban for Drink-Driving Offense

Paul Ince outside Chester Magistrates Court with fans
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Former England footballer Paul Ince received a 12-month driving ban after admitting to drink-driving in Cheshire on June 28.
  • Ince was fined £5,000, with additional costs bringing the total to £7,085, following his court appearance at Chester Magistrates' Court.
  • District Judge Jack McGarva emphasized the zero-tolerance message against drinking and driving.
  • Ince, who played for clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool, transitioned to management roles, most recently with Reading until 2023.
  • The incident highlights the ongoing issue of legal consequences for driving under the influence.

Former England footballer Paul Ince has been handed a 12-month driving ban and fined a total of £7,085 after admitting to drink-driving. The 57-year-old appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court on Friday, where he confessed to operating his black Range Rover while over the legal alcohol limit on June 28 in Neston, Cheshire.

Court Proceedings and Legal Consequences

During the court session, District Judge Jack McGarva underscored the importance of abstaining from alcohol when driving, stating, "The message has got to be if you're going to drive, you don't drink at all." Ince was fined £5,000, with an additional £2,000 statutory surcharge and £85 in costs, reflecting the serious nature of the offense.

A Storied Football Career

Paul Ince, a former midfielder for prestigious clubs such as West Ham, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Liverpool, earned 53 caps for England during his illustrious playing career. Following his retirement from professional football, Ince ventured into management, with his most recent role at Reading, which concluded in 2023. His managerial journey also included stints at Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool, the latter ending in a notably abrupt manner.

Public Reaction and Personal Interactions

Despite the legal proceedings, Ince maintained a cordial demeanor, engaging with fans by signing autographs and posing for selfies outside the court. This incident serves as a reminder of the legal consequences associated with driving under the influence, a persistent issue in society.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

Moving forward, Paul Ince's driving ban and fine could serve as a cautionary tale for other public figures and the general public about the repercussions of drink-driving. Legally, Ince will need to adhere to the terms of his ban, potentially impacting his personal and professional life. The incident might also influence his future career opportunities, particularly in roles that require travel or public representation. As society continues to grapple with the dangers of driving under the influence, this case reinforces the importance of strict legal measures and public awareness campaigns to deter such behavior.