A former Albion star has been fined more than £3,000 and banned from driving for 12 months after being caught over the legal alcohol limit.

Dale Stephens, 32, who now plays for Premier League side Burnley FC, appeared at Stockport Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with driving a vehicle with alcohol above the legal limit. 

The court heard how on March 14 in Alderley Edge, where the Bolton-born midfielder now lives, was driving his Range Rover in Congleton Road after consuming excess alcohol.

A breath test found Stephens had 59 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, with the legal drink-drive limit being 35mcg.

He pleaded guilty and was fined a total of £3,334 and ordered to pay cost to the Crown Prosecution Service of £85 and a surcharge to fund victim services of £190, which is to be paid in full by May 2.

He was also banned from driving for 12 months, although the disqualification period can be reduced by three months if by November 11 he satisfactorily completes a driving course approved by the Secretary of State.

Stephens has made nine league appearances for the Clarets since signing at Turf Moor in 2020.

Born in Bolton, the central midfielder began his career at Bury in League Two, before loan spells in the National League at Droylsden and Hyde United.

From there he signed for Oldham Athletic, making 60 appearances in three seasons, with stints at Rochdale and Southampton on loan.

He then signed for Charlton Athletic where after three years he moved to Brighton and Hove Albion where he spent eight seasons and was part of their side which won promotion to the Premier League.

After more than 200 appearances for the Seagulls, he signed for Burnley in September 2020.

In a statement, Burnley FC said: "Burnley Football Club are aware of a police incident involving one of our players, Dale Stephens.

"As a football club we uphold strong values and hold all our players and staff to the highest standards.

"As such, we are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness as legal proceedings are undertaken.

"As a club, we strongly disapprove of the actions that resulted in such an incident and therefore disciplinary procedures will also be carried out internally.

"Burnley Football Club make no further comment."