Ipswich Town star Adam Tanner faces a possible jail sentence after admitting he crashed into a parked car while three times the drink drive limit.

Tanner, 26, of Beeleigh Link, Chelmer Village, Chelmsford, admitted drink driving and failing to stop when he appeared before magistrates in Chelmsford yesterday.

Magistrates adjourned the case until February 21 for pre-sentence reports but warned him he could face jail. Magistrates also imposed an interim driving ban.

Denise Holland, prosecuting, told the court Tanner's Mercedes collided with a parked Vauxhall Cavalier in Newland Street, Witham at about 11.50am on November 18 last year.

Tanner did not stop and was later arrested and taken to Witham police station. A blood test showed Tanner had 240mgs of alcohol in 100mls of blood. The legal limit is 80.

When interviewed Tanner declined to comment throughout.

Ernle Money, mitigating, told the court Tanner was described by his club chairman as a well brought up and inherently good person.

He said the club was impressed by the fact Tanner immediately notified the about the incident. The court heard the club had passed details of the incident to Marchwood Priory - a private rehabilitation clinic which Tanner attended.

Mr Money told the court Tanner sustained quite a serious injury to his left knee in April last year resulting in a number of operations and had only recently resumed his playing career.

Previously Tanner had been a regular player in the first team but had found himself left out of the side and not even commanding a place on the substitutes bench.

Mr Money said the incident took place during these circumstances of "considerable discomfort and stress."

Speaking today Ipswich manager George Burley said: "We know about the incident and the club will be speaking to Adam today.

"We are fully aware of the situation and will deal with it as we see fit."

Ipswich Town player Gary Croft was recently released from prison for a string of driving offences. The defender became the first player to play with an electronic tagging device which monitors his whereabouts.

Adam Tanner - could face a jail sentence.

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