Nile Ranger escapes fine

Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger has escaped a fine after admitting a charge of being drunk and disorderly.

The 20-year-old was given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £135 costs at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.

The punishment relates to an offence that Ranger committed in Newcastle's Cathedral Square during the early hours of October 30 last year.

It was the second time Ranger had appeared in court this week, having admitted breaching bail conditions imposed while he awaits trial for four assault charges.

That trial will take place in June.