Manly Sea Eagles' Richie Fa'aoso had 'suicidal thoughts' after breaking his neck, court told Manly Sea Eagles NRL star Richie Fa'aoso at Campbelltown Court House today Source: News Limited MANLY Sea Eagles player Richie Fa'aoso was having "suicidal thoughts" after breaking his neck and being told he might never play the game of rugby league again, a court heard this morning. The 28-year-old broke his neck during a NRL finals match in September last year, an injury that the forward said resulted in a period of depression that he self-medicated with large amounts of alcohol. Police arrested and charged Fa'aoso, a father of two, on November 24 after he failed to stop when directed by police, blew a blood alcohol reading of 0.126 and resisted arrest when ordered to get out of the car - all charges the rugby league player pleaded guilty to in court. In Campbelltown Local Court this morning, Fa'aoso's lawyer said his client was "deeply ashamed, sorry and embarrassed about what happened." "He apologises not only to the court but to the community and the police as well," his lawyer said. At the time of this offence he had received advice from his specialist not to play football ever again ... this played heavily in his mind because he had no other qualifications to work. Documents tendered to the court reveal Fa'aoso went out drinking before coming home and threatening to harm himself with a knife in the bathroom of his home. He then followed his wife, who drove off to go to her parent's home in Ingleburn, some 3km away. Richie Fa'aoso leaves Campbelltown Court House today Source: News Limited When police became involved, he failed to stop and a short pursuit ensued before he stopped near Currawong St on King Rd. Fa'aoso's lawyer said a bout of depression was an explanation for his poor behaviour, not an excuse. "He was under a great deal of pressure, but this is by no means an excuse," his lawyer said. He became depressed and had suicidal thoughts. The NRL immediately engaged alcohol counselling and he stopped drinking immediately afterwards. He has not had a drink since the day of his offence. But the magistrate said the professional footballer did not deserve too much leniency, with a previous conviction for assault on his record as well as 16 driving offences - including using a mobile phone while driving and driving while unlicensed. He was convicted for the mid-range PCA charge, disqualified from driving for seven months and fined $1000. He was fined an additional $1000 for leading police on a pursuit and granted a good-behaviour bond for resisting arrest. Fa'aoso was supported by members of Manly Sea Eagles club in court, as well as Rugby League Players Association members and a close friend. His wife, who is heavily pregnant with his third child, was unable to attend. Outside court, Sea Eagles chief executive officer David Perry said the punishment was very fair and rehabilitation and support would continue. It is not yet known whether he will make a return to the NRL against his specialist's advice.