Birmingham City star Marvin Ducksch ‘lucky to be alive’ after drink-drive crash
Birmingham City star Marvin Ducksch has been told he is lucky to be alive after causing a serious three-car collision while over the drink drive limit.
The Germany international was told he was lucky he did not kill himself and two female drivers in a midnight crash and was ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation to the victims.
Leamington Spa Magistrates’ Court heard Ducksch stopped at the scene to check on other drivers, one of whom had a bleeding nose and injuries to his forehead and thumb.
The 32-year-old pleaded guilty on Wednesday to driving his Mercedes with excess alcohol – 53mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, over the legal limit of 35mcg.
Magistrates were told the charge relates to the collision on the A3400 near Henley-in-Arden in Warwickshire at around 10.30pm on Easter Monday.
The accident happened hours after Ducksch came on as a substitute in Birmingham’s 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
Prosecutor Lina Akther told the court: “The defendant identified himself to officers and confirmed his involvement in the collision.
“The defendant told the officers that he was driving the car, that he went to change his music and crashed, and that he wasn’t sure how it happened.”
Ducksch, who also claimed that he escaped from a tree branch on the road as a result of the accident, was arrested and breath tested.
The court heard that in a prepared statement to police, Ducksch said he was heading home and admitted he “drank alcohol before driving” and “hit an oncoming car and another car following behind”.
Ms Akther said: “He thought he would be under the limit and the defendant apologized in his prepared statement.”
Magistrates handed Ducksch a 14-month driving ban, as well as a fine of £16,155, total compensation of £2,000, a surcharge of £2,000 and costs of £85.
The court agreed to allow Ducksch to pay the total amount of £20,240 at the rate of £2,000 a month.
Bench chairman John Kiely, who administered the penalty, told the Solihull-based footballer: “We thank you very much for your patience as we talk about this offence.
“We heard about an incident where two vehicles crashed.
“We looked at the photos (of the damaged vehicles).
“You can consider yourself lucky that, firstly, you did not die and secondly, the other drivers did not die.
“That’s how serious this matter is.”
Defense lawyer Julia Morgan said in mitigation that Ducksch, whose former clubs include Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund, had a promising career ahead of him.
Ms Morgan told three judges during the 20-minute hearing: “It is very clear that these vehicles were damaged and the woman involved was injured in the process.”
He said Ducksch was comprehensively insured and the damage would be covered under the policy.
Ms Morgan added: “Mr Ducksch waited for police at the scene.
“They did not arrive immediately but he waited and checked the condition of the occupants of the other vehicles.
He is a young man who currently plays as a professional footballer for Birmingham City Football Club.
“Not only will he be subject to the sentence you imposed today, he will also be financially punished by Birmingham City for his actions that night.
“After this incident, he was sentenced to financial and additional penalties as he was not allowed to play in many matches.
“This shows how seriously such incidents are taken,” he said.
The lawyer continued: “They (the club) gave a reference.
“I hope you had the opportunity to see and read them.
“In fact, they talk about a man of impeccable character in his behavior towards his team, his managers and the club.
“I think he is an extremely kind young man.
“It is very unfortunate that he found himself in this situation and has now received a conviction from the courts.”
