'Shock' teammate of Baek Seung-ho involved in drunk driving accident scandal: "Put two women's lives at serious risk" — UK in uproar... How serious was it?

*This content was translated by AI.

Birmingham City's key striker caused a drunk driving accident, sending shockwaves across the UK. The court severely reprimanded the player, who was driving while heavily intoxicated and caused a major crash, stating that "it is a miracle he is still alive."

British media outlet 'The Sun' reported on the 21st (Korea time) that "Birmingham striker Marvin Duckworth, 32, crashed his Mercedes while driving under the influence, colliding with two other vehicles." The report added that "Duckworth was sentenced to a fine of 16,155 pounds (approximately 32 million won) by the court."

Duckworth, a former German national team player, is a striker who scored 10 goals in 32 matches in England's Championship (second division) this season. He also played alongside South Korean national team midfielder Baek Seung-ho.

According to local reports, the accident occurred last April. Just a few hours after losing 1-2 to Ipswich Town, Duckworth took the wheel while intoxicated. While driving on a road near Henley-in-Arden in Warwickshire, he lost his balance while trying to change music in the car and collided with two vehicles. The accident resulted in injuries to two women inside the opposing vehicles.

Police who arrived at the scene conducted a breathalyzer test and found that Duckworth's blood alcohol concentration was nearly double the UK's legal limit, indicating he was heavily intoxicated. He was arrested and detained at the scene before being brought to trial.

At the trial held on the 20th at Warwickshire Magistrates' Court, Duckworth pleaded guilty to the charge of excess drink driving. Duckworth's lawyer, Julia Morgan, pleaded for leniency, stating, "He was a diligent young man with no prior criminal record. Immediately after the accident, he checked on the victims' condition and stayed at the scene until the police arrived. He has already been subjected to a substantial fine and a suspension from multiple matches by the club internally."

However, the court remained stern. Judge John Keilly, after reviewing photos of the damaged vehicles, said, "It was sheer luck that you and the other drivers survived," and pointed out, "This was a very serious matter that could have easily led to criminal charges for dangerous driving causing death."

The court fined Duckworth 16,155 pounds, imposed additional costs including compensation for the victims' children, and issued a 14-month driving ban.

As the incident escalated, Birmingham Koo Dan (Spokesperson) issued an official statement confirming, "We have confirmed that Duckworth has been charged with drunk driving." The statement continued, "Duckworth has sincerely apologized to his teammates, staff, and fans and has accepted full responsibility for his actions. The club has dealt with this matter severely internally, and there will be no further statements on this issue."

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*This content was translated by AI.