Marvin Ducksch receives driving ban after three-car crash involving alcohol

A magistrate at Leamington Spa Court described Marvin Ducksch as "lucky to be alive" after the Birmingham City forward pleaded guilty to drink-driving linked to a serious three-car accident. The incident occurred on Easter Monday, shortly after Ducksch appeared as a substitute in Birmingham’s 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town.

The 32-year-old German international, who joined Birmingham City last summer from Werder Bremen for €2 million, was found to have 53mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35mcg. The collision involved Ducksch’s Mercedes and resulted in injuries to two female drivers.

Chairman of the bench John Kiely emphasized the severity of the case, stating, "You can consider yourself lucky first of all that you weren’t killed and secondly that the other drivers weren’t killed. That’s how serious this matter is."

Ducksch received a 14-month driving ban and was ordered to pay a total of £20,240 in fines and compensation. This sum includes a £16,155 fine, a £2,000 surcharge, £85 in court costs, and £1,000 compensation each to the two injured female drivers. The court permitted him to settle the amount in monthly payments of £2,000.

In his prepared statement, Ducksch acknowledged consuming alcohol before driving and admitted to clipping an oncoming car and another vehicle behind it. Prosecutor Lina Akther reported that Ducksch believed he was under the limit and expressed remorse during his statement.

Further details presented to the court revealed Ducksch claimed distraction caused the crash; he said he was changing his music and trying to avoid a tree branch when the collision occurred. Defence solicitor Julia Morgan noted that Ducksch checked on the other drivers’ welfare, one of whom had a nosebleed and injuries to her forehead and thumb.

Following the incident, Birmingham City imposed internal sanctions on Ducksch, including financial penalties and suspending him from several matches. Morgan stated, "That illustrates how seriously incidents of this nature are taken."

Despite the conviction, the club provided character references describing Ducksch as a man of good character. On the field, the striker has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in 36 appearances this season across Championship and domestic cup competitions.

Ducksch will serve his driving ban while aiming to restore his reputation and continue his football career after this off-field incident.