MILLWALL midfielder Jody Morris has been banned from driving for four years after being caught three times over the drink-drive limit.

The former Chelsea star, who pleaded guilty to one count of drink-driving, was also given a two-year suspended jail sentence and ordered to undertake 80 hours of community service.

Morris, aged 27, who was arrested on November 1 driving the wrong way down a one-way street, was sentenced at Greenwich Magistrates' Court on November 8.

He was saved from jail after his solicitor Ben Barandon claimed the incident was "unusual and out of character".

Injury has kept Morris out of the first team since the middle of last season and the club was quick to offer him their support.

A spokesman said: "We have made it clear to the player his conduct has been unacceptable and we anticipate he will now focus his attention on returning to full fitness and playing football once again.

"While we acknowledge he has been through a frustrating and difficult period following a lengthy injury lay-off, we do not condone his actions.

"The club will now support Jody as he seeks to rebuild his career and reputation, and we look forward to seeing him become a positive role model to young supporters through his future conduct both on and off the field."

Morris has one previous conviction for drink-driving in 1996 and was warned he faces jail if he re-offends.

The court heard how the FA Cup winner had been giving an unnamed woman a lift home in his Range Rover when he was caught driving up Parkfield Road, Lewisham.

He was stopped and given a road-side breath test before being arrested and taken to a police station where a second breath test registered 102 microgrammes, above the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.

Magistrate Deborah Wright said: "When he decided to get behind the wheel and not just take a taxi, he was endangering not only his own life, but the lives of his passenger and other road users.

"His judgement must have been so impaired due to the level of alcohol in his body."

Morris, who played in the last final ever to be staged at the old Wembley stadium, will be made to attend a drink-impaired drivers' program and will be under probation for the next 12 months.