Paul Gascoigne has received a suspended prison term after admitting to a drink-driving charge.

On Thursday, the troubled former footballer was given an eight week sentence, suspended for a year, and has been banned from driving for three years.

He was also given an alcohol treatment order.

The court was told he was undergoing a 12-week anti-drink programme, with seven weeks to complete, and that he is attending Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

The 43-year-old (pictured leaving Newcastle Magistrates Court) was stopped by Police on October 8 and was found to be four times over the legal alcohol limit.

Judge Stephen Earl said he believed a 12-week sentence – with a third off as credit of a guilty plea – was appropriate.

He said it was suspended because of Paul's progress in treatment, but warned that if he re-offended in the next 12 months the jail term would apply.

Photo: � PA