FOOTBALLER Jason Jarrett scored a massive own goal the night he decided to get behind the wheel and drive after he had been drinking.

For, the former Bury FC player, who was also fined a total of £1,000, and banned for 18 months, now faces paying hefty taxi fares to attend training and match days from his home in BoltonBolton home.

Magistrates at Bury heard yesterday how the 23-year-old lost control of his car in the early hours as he drove home. When police arrived at the scene of the crash, at Hunstanton Drive, in Bury, they discovered Jarrett's Y-registered Rover in someone's front garden.

The vehicle had sustained damage to both the front and rear, and Jarrett, who now plays for Wigan Athletic, was still sat in the car receiving treatment from paramedics.

He was later taken to hospital and there, after being given further treatment for his injuries which included concussion, he gave a positive breath sample.

Three hours later, a blood test was taken and it revealed that Jarrett, of Brook Mill, Threadfold Way, Eagley, was more than twice the legal limit.

Mr Anthony Shimmin, defending, said that Jarrett's "serious miscalculation" on the evening would cost him dear.

"This conviction places him in difficulty in terms of his career as a professional footballer. He plays for Wigan and is a talented player.

"He recently bought a property in Bolton and because he is dedicated to his career has to be in Wigan to attend training on a regular basis.

"It is going to cost him a very great deal of money in taxis and it is going to create quite a problem for him."

Mr Shimmin had earlier described how Jarrett had simply lost control as he braked at a corner while travelling home.

In addition to the ban and fines, Jarrett, who pleaded guilty to drink driving and driving without due care and attention, was ordered to pay court costs of £195.