Right-back Carlos Edwards has apologised for his conduct having been given a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months this morning having pleaded guilty to charges of driving while disqualified and without insurance on Monday. The Trinidad and Tobago international was also handed a £2,500 fine, a further 18-month driving ban, 200 hours of community service and was ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £15 victim surcharge at South Suffolk Magistrates' Court.
Edwards, whose wife gave birth to premature twins at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge on Saturday, said: "I'm obviously relieved at the verdict. I made a stupid mistake and I want to take this opportunity to apologise for that.
"There were concerns over the health of my wife Denille and the twins when the incident took place and I wasn't thinking straight at the time, but it was still a massive error of judgment on my part.
"It's been a difficult time for myself and my family over the last month or so and with Denille and the twins still receiving hospital treatment, we still have a long way to go. My focus now is the health of my family.
"I also want to thank the people at the football club for their support through this difficult time, especially Simon [Clegg] who has been a great help to me. I know I have let Ipswich Town down and I'll be aiming to make amends for that on the pitch over the rest of the season."
Chief executive Clegg was in court for the sentencing and confirmed that the club will fine the 32-year-old the maximum two weeks' wages allowed.
Clegg said: "We have spoken to Carlos about his conduct and he is fully aware of what we expect from him.
"Players at Ipswich Town should be role models by virtue of their privileged position. In this regard Carlos has let both the club and himself down.
"However, without condoning his actions, there were significant mitigating circumstances and I'm sure these were taken into consideration by the court.
"The most important thing now is the health of Carlos's family and we will be providing him with all the support we can going forward."