Ipswich Town's Carlos Edwards gets suspended jail term
Edwards was warned he could face prison if he offended again
Ipswich Town footballer Carlos Edwards has been given a suspended prison term after he admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance.
As well as the 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, the midfielder was fined 拢2,500 and must carry out 200 hours community work.
South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard he was arrested on 26 September, a day after his wife gave birth.
He was told he could expect a prison term if he committed further offences.
A further 18-months was also added to Edwards' existing 12-month driving ban.
He was arrested a day after his wife Denille was taken to hospital after complications with her pregnancy. She later gave birth to premature twins at Ipswich Hospital.
The court heard Edwards' daughter needed to go to school and he decided to drive when he was unable to get a taxi.
In a statement from the club, Edwards said he was relieved to be able to focus on the health of his family.
The twins weighed just 2lbs when they were born.
"There were concerns over the health of my wife Denille and the twins when the incident took place and I wasn't thinking straight at the time but it was still a massive error of judgment on my part," the statement said.
"It's been a difficult time for myself and my family over the last month or so and with Denille and the twins still receiving hospital treatment, we still have a long way to go."
Ipswich Town chief executive Simon Clegg said Edwards had been fined two weeks' wages by the club.
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