Yorath given community service

Yorath was arrested following an accident in Leeds

Ex-Leeds United and Wales football star Terry Yorath has narrowly avoided jail after driving into a pedestrian and breaking her pelvis while drunk.

Yorath appeared at Leeds Magistrates Court for sentencing on Tuesday after pleading guilty to drink-driving and careless driving on 3 August.

He received a 12-month rehabilitation order, with 60 hours of community punishment, and a 30-month driving ban.

District Judge David Kitson said he believed Yorath, 54, was "truly sorry".

He was fined £500 and ordered to pay £40 costs.

Police co-operation

Judge Kitson said he was "just able" to avoid imposing a sentence because of Yorath's personal circumstances, after hearing how his 15-year-old son Daniel had died of a heart attack, and he had split from his wife Christine.

"You have had to cope with tragedy in your life but your behaviour on this occasion, which is recognised in this report, could also have inflicted tragedy and heartbreak on another family, namely that of your young victim," the judge said.

"The combination of these offences aggravated each other and I am quite satisfied that the custodial threshold has been crossed.

"However, I am required to carry out a balancing act and consider personal mitigation - the fact you stopped immediately after the accident, gave assistance to the young girl, cooperated with police and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity."

Distinguished career

He noted Yorath had played an active role in a number of charities.

Yorath, the father of TV presenter Gabby Logan, was arrested on 24 June following an accident on Harrogate Road in Leeds.

27-year-old call centre worker Raziya Aslam was knocked down and suffered a broken pelvis and head injuries.

Police found 120 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of Yorath's breath. The maximum permitted level is 35 micrograms.

He won 59 Welsh caps as a player and managed the Wales national side for five years in the 1990s.

A statement from Huddersfield Town football club, where he is assistant manager under Peter Jackson, said the matter had now been dealt with.

"Terry is a big part of Huddersfield Town Football Club and he will continue to be so in his role as assistant manager to Peter Jackson," it read.