Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote has been handed a suspended jail sentence for possessing a fake driver's license.
The 27-year old Ivory Coast international has admitted to buying a fake Belgian license and attempting to transfer it over to a UK permit and has been hit with a seven-month suspended sentence.
Judge James Goss QC, who also ordered Tiote to undertake 180 hours community service, said: "I give you credit for your plea of guilty, which has saved you from an immediate sentence of imprisonment.
"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."
