England rugby star Danny Cipriani in court to deny drink-drive charge
ENGLAND rugby ace Danny Cipriani denied a drink-driving charge when he appeared in court today.
Danny Cipriani arriving at court
Cipriani, 28, is accused of having nearly double the legal limit of alcohol in his breath while driving his black Mercedes.
He was arrested June and remained on bail until eventually being charged last month over the 5am incident in west London.
The Sale Sharks player, rumoured to be dating television presenter Kirsty Gallacher, 39, entered a not guilty plea during his brief appearance at Hammersmith Magistrates Court.
Now he will stand trial in the New Year on a date to be fixed.
Cipriani was arrested in June for the alleged offence
Cipriani earned 14 England caps
Cipriani appeared in court wearing a grey suit, white shirt without a tie and glasses.
The court heard he allegedly had 67 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, which is nearly double the legal limit for England and Wales, while driving on Imperial Road in Fulham. He was arrested shortly afterwards.
Cipriani spoke only to confirm his name, age and address and to enter a plea of not guilty.
The rugby ace, who earned the last of his 14 England caps during the Six Nations earlier this year, was granted unconditional bail to appear at Westminster Magistrates for trial in the New Year.
Cipriani plays for Sale
District Judge Jeremy Coleman told him: "I grant you bail to attend the court for trial.
"The court will notify you of the date."
Cipriani, of Raynes Park, south west London, left court with his solicitor without commenting.
He was controversially left out of England's disastrous World Cup campaign following his arrest.