Arsenal star faces jail after second drink-driving charge

A PREMIERSHIP footballer faces a jail sentence after being charged with drink-driving for the second time in less than a year.

Arsenal midfielder Jermaine Pennant, 21, was arrested when he allegedly crashed a Mercedes into a lamppost at 6.20am yesterday - less than 10 hours before a vital Premiership match.

The Pounds 10,000a-week star was arrested after failing a breath test at the crash scene in Aylesbury town centre, Buckinghamshire.

The Mercedes he was driving is said to have belonged to teammate Ashley Cole, 24.

Pennant is reported to have phoned club executives from the police station, telling them to inform Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that he would not be available for selection in yesterday's match against Newcastle. Pennant was held for several hours before being bailed to appear in court next month.

He is also likely to be charged with driving while disqualified and having no insurance.

Last February he was banned for 16 months and fined Pounds 1,200 after police spotted him making an illegal U-turn in Paddington.

On that occasion he was driving back to his hotel from a night club and was almost twice over the limit.

Pennant, from Enfield, is reported to already have three points for speeding and six points for driving without insurance.

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