LONDON — Troubled former England footballer Paul Gascoigne denied a charge of drink-driving Friday, in his latest brush with the law.
Gascoigne, 42, is accused of being four times over the legal limit for alcohol when he was stopped driving a Ford Transit van at Leeming Bar in February.
The former Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio and Rangers star also denied driving without insurance but a charge of driving without a licence was withdrawn.
He appeared at Northallerton Magistrates' Court along with another man, Michael Harvey, who also denied driving a van while over the alcohol limit.
The case was adjourned ahead of a trial on July 28.
Gascoigne has struggled with alcoholism and depression since retiring from the game, and has undergone treatment for bulimia and obsessive compulsive disorder. He has also been involved in a much-publicised row with his ex-wife.
In December Gascoigne was arrested and fined following a disturbance in a residential part of his native Newcastle. In 2008 he was detained under the Mental Health Act following an incident in Newcastle.
Known to fans as "Gazza," Gascoigne made 57 appearances for England. He also played for such clubs as Newcastle, Tottenham, Glasgow Rangers in Scotland and Lazio in Italy and .
Considered one of the most talented English players ever, the former midfielder is best known for his exploits in the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy, where he helped England reach the semi-finals.
AFP
