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Ivory Coast international Cheick Tiote has pleaded guilty to charges of driving with a fake license before a Newcastle Crown Court. But the midfielder has been spared any jail time, with the court instead handing out a seven-month suspended sentence in view of his admittance of guilt.
The Ivorian reportedly spent 15,000 euros (£12,809) on getting a fake Belgian license and tried to use that to try and complete his application for a British license with the DVLA in Swansea.
“The licence was a very good forgery but there were a number of features that showed it was a forgery,” said prosecutor Tony Hawks.
“The offence is aggravated by what he has done as he sought to change base metal into gold.”
Judge James Goss who presided over the case, decided to hand out a suspended sentence to the Ivorian, choosing to hand out 180 hours of mandatory community service instead.
“I give you credit for your plea of guilty, which has saved you from an immediate sentence of imprisonment,” he said.
“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.”
