Drink-driving Cardiff striker left personalised number plate at scene of crash
Scotland and Cardiff City striker Ross McCormack, aged 23, smashed his Range Rover into a fence and drove off after a night out.
But he was trapped after police found his distinctive registration plate lying in the road.
The £8,000-a-week star was caught when police checks revealed him as the owner.
Police then called at McCormack's luxury home where he admitted being over the limit when he crashed into the fence in his £40,000 car.
Prosecutor Sarah Asbrey said: "McCormack was driving his silver Range Rover Sport when he collided with metal railings.
"Police found the number plate and traced Ross McCormack as the vehicle's owner.
"He was questioned at his home.
"McCormack said he had been the driver and he hadn't drunk any alcohol since returning home."
McCormack today pleaded guilty to drink driving at Cardiff magistrates court.
The court was told he been drinking at a friend's home and during a meal in Cardiff city centre.
McCormack had been celebrating Cardiff's 4-3 win over Sheffield United when the Range Rover ploughed into railings outside a Harvester restaurant at 3.44am in Cardiff Bay.
The former Rangers and Motherwell striker, capped four times by Scotland, was not hurt in the crash and no other vehicle was involved.
Defending, Mark Hathan said: "Mr McCormack was foolish and idiotic to get in the vehicle in his condition.
"He has brought shame on himself, his employers at Cardiff City and his profession."
McCormack, of Cardiff Bay, was banned for 17 months and fined £2,600, including costs.
The court heard he was nearly double the drink-drive limit - with 67 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.
The Glasgow-born star was Cardiff's top scorer last season with 23 goals - and has been valued at £5million by the club.
