• Premier League

Tiote given suspended prison sentence

ESPN staff
October 28, 2013
Cheick Tiote bought a fake Belgian driving licence © Getty Images
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Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote has been handed a seven-month suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to possessing a fake driving licence.

Tiote admitted at Newcastle Crown Court that he had purchased a fake Belgian licence for £12,800. The prosecution said Tiote tried to apply for a UK driving licence through the DVLA using the fake document.

The sentence is suspended for 18 months, with Tiote also required to complete 180 hours of community service.

"The licence was a very good forgery but there were a number of features that showed it was a forgery," said prosecutor Tony Hawks.

Tiote was told by Judge James Goss QC that his guilty plea had "saved him from an immediate prison sentence".

He added: "In that way you will be punished and I have no doubt that, using your considerable talent, you will be able to assist others in the community by encouraging them and passing on your skills that way."

Tiote was also fined £600 and given six points on his licence, but pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving with no insurance. The charge will be dealt with by a magistrates court.

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