Ex-Claret Clarke Carlisle ‘out of coma’, court hears

The 35-year-old father of three, who also played for Leeds, Blackpool, Queens Park Rangers and Northampton Town, was seriously injured after being struck by a lorry on the A64 near York on December 22nd, two days after being charged with a drink-driving offence.

He has been treated in a hospital in Leeds since the incident.

Defence lawyer Zeenat Islam told Highbury Magistrates’ Court in north London that Carlisle had come out of his coma “literally in the last few days but he is still receiving intense treatment for his injuries”.

She was telling the court why Carlisle, a former chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association and advocate for mental health charities, was not at today’s hearing, which would have been his first appearance to face the accusation.

She said: “He was in a quite serious road traffic accident in December and is currently in hospital. He was in a coma as a result of his injuries. He has only recently awoken from that coma in the last few days.

“As it stands, he is not in a position to obviously attend court. We are unable to take instructions in relation to this matter.”

Asking for an adjournment, she said Carlisle’s legal team would contact the court and Crown Prosecution Service with an update on his health and progress when it becomes available.

Deputy district judge Peter King said he would extend Carlisle’s bail until March 23rd at the same court. He also asked for an update on his progress within 28 days.