Footballer admits driving charge

Freddie Daquin had been speaking to his girlfriend on the phone

A footballer has appeared in court just hours after scoring for his team in a vital Scottish Cup win.

Dundee FC winger Freddie Daquin admitted chatting to his girlfriend on his mobile phone while driving to a training session.

A warrant had been issued for the Frenchman's arrest after he did not respond to a series of official letters ordering him to court.

He has been fined £60 and three points will be put on his driving licence.

Avoid embarrassment

When he appeared in the dock at Perth District Court, Daquin was severely reprimanded for his attitude by Justice of the Peace Barbara Briggs-Constable.

She told the court: "We had difficulty getting his attention. We have got his attention now. Had we been able to get a response from you earlier it would have been much simpler."

Lawyers for Dundee FC arranged for the footballer to appear by invitation, so avoiding the embarrassment of being arrested at training or a match.

The Bordeaux-born player admitted a charge of driving while using his mobile phone on the A9 between Stirling and Perth on 27 August last year.

The court previously heard how Daquin failed to reply to a summons from the Crown - even though they sent it to his home and bosses at Dundee Football Club.

Daquin, 29, who has previously played for Hibs and Dunfermline, scored in Tuesday night's 3-1 cup win for Dundee away at Huntly.