Ex-premier footballer “really sorry” for headbutting and punching his girlfriend

Summary of story from BBC News – 17.1.11

Former Bolton Wanderers striker Michael Ricketts had been celebrating his 32nd birthday when a row erupted in Amba Bar in Hale, Cheshire, in December 2010.

Victim Nuala McEwan wrote to Trafford magistrates in his defence, claiming she intended her words to hurt him.

Ricketts, of Sutton Coldfield, admitted common assault.

The court heard that the pair, who remain a couple, had been drinking when they began talking about past relationships.

Alan Pope, prosecuting, said Ricketts had accused Ms McEwan of being involved with someone else and she ordered a taxi to leave.

When they got outside he punched and head-butted his girlfriend, who fell to the floor.

Police who arrived on the scene had to threaten him with a Taser stun gun when he continued to be aggressive, the court heard.

Ms McEwan, who was left with a cut eye, told the court in her letter that before the attack she said things which were “deliberately derogatory” and “intended to hurt him”.

Bryan McMahon, defending, told magistrates: “There did seem to be some element of verbal altercation between the victim and Mr Ricketts. He should have walked away.

“There was an element of provocation. I don’t say that, the victim says that. It is totally out of character.”

Chris Hall, chairman of the bench, asked Ricketts if he had anything to say.

He replied: “I’m very disappointed about what happened and what it led to. I’m really sorry. Conversation stirred up a lot of emotions.”

Ricketts was sentenced to a 12-month community order, ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work, fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 costs.