Manchester United Legend Paul Ince Faces Court Ban After Drink-Driving Conviction

Ex-England skipper Paul Ince has received a 12-month driving prohibition and been ordered to pay over £7,000 ($9,400) in penalties following his guilty plea to operating a vehicle while exceeding the legal alcohol threshold.

The West Ham United youth product became recognized as among England's finest central midfielders within Sir Alex Ferguson's inaugural outstanding Manchester United squad during the early 1990s. This captivating figure enjoyed two productive seasons at Inter Milan before returning to English football with Liverpool. Following stints at Middlesbrough, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Swindon Town and Macclesfield, Ince pursued an intermittent managerial path that has yet to match his distinguished playing achievements.

Police disclosed on June 28 that Ince had been taken into custody after his black Range Rover "struck the central reservation barrier" at 5 p.m. BST on Saturday along Chester High Road in Cheshire, northwest England.

After being granted bail, Ince pleaded guilty to exceeding the drink-drive limit and received a one-year prohibition. The 57-year-old was additionally penalized £5,000 ($6,700) and required to pay a £2,000 ($2,700) mandatory surcharge alongside £85 ($114) in legal expenses.

District judge Jack McGarva addressed Ince: "The principle must be clear - if you intend to drive, you must abstain from alcohol completely."

Despite the verdict, Ince seemed cheerful, taking photographs and providing an autograph while displaying a wide grin. Following his role in securing Manchester United's first Premier League championship in 1993, Ince received the captain's role for his national team, becoming England's first Black captain—an achievement he subsequently described as "the highlight of my career".

Throughout the 1993–94 season, an expertly coordinated midfield partnership between Ince and Roy Keane drove Manchester United to achieve the Premier League-FA Cup double. United maintained their position atop the league standings for an overwhelmingly dominant 262 days from a total of 268 possible days.