Ex-England Footballer Admits Boozy Assault At Ex's Home

Former England footballer Kenny Sansom struck his ex-girlfriend's nephew during a drink-fueled row at her suburban home, where the alcoholic ex-player was downing glasses of wine in the woman's bedroom.

The one-time Arsenal and Crystal Palace hero, who won 86 caps for his country between 1979 and 1988 and played in two World Cups, is now living in a Travelodge, paid for by the Professional Footballers Association.

The Camberwell-born 55 year-old pleaded guilty at Bromley Magistrates Court today to assaulting Brian Pitty at the Hastings Road, Bromley house on July 27 and was conditionally discharged for two years and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

The former left-back's gambling and alcohol problems have been well-documented and he makes a living from occasional pundit stints on radio and television and as a guide on the 'Legends Tour' of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

When asked where he lives he told the court: "No fixed address." 

Prosecutor Miss Zoe Becker said: "Mr. Sansom and Denise Mullins had an argument and she contacted her nephew.

"Mr. Sansom was in the bedroom drinking wine when Mr. Pitty decided to leave and Mr. Sansom came out of the bedroom and was verbally abusive to Roy Mullins.

"There was a verbal altercation and the Crown say Mr. Sansom punched Mr. Pitty in the lower back area around the kidneys causing pain and discomfort."

Sansom claims it was a push, not a punch, but District Judge Dennis Lynch ruled: "It was a blow of sufficient force to cause back pain whether it was a push or a punch.

"Mr. Pitty would know if there was slight pain or discomfort. It was a blow, whether it was a punch or a push."

First-time offender Sansom's lawyer Miss Chloe Gardner said: "He had been living there on and off," adding the relationship with Ms. Mullins is now "finished."

"He accepts what he did was wrong. He is ill from alcohol.

"He has sought to reduce his alcohol consumption over the last few months and understands he has got to do more to address his alcohol problems and find permanent lodgings.

"He has shown remorse and made admissions at interview."

District Judge Lynch told Sansom: "I give you credit for your guilty plea and good character. I note this was a punch or a push, a blow that caused only slight pain or discomfort."

Sansom receives a monthly pension and was given three weeks to pay.