Footballer Marcus Bent could face jail after admitting 'disturbing' affray charge

Sombre: Marcus Bent arrives at court
Steve Parsons/PA Wire
Ramzy Alwakeel13 January 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Former Premier League footballer Marcus Bent could face jail after admitting a “disturbing” affray charge.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty at Guildford Crown Court, sitting at Guildford Magistrates’ Court, to the incident – which stemmed from an incident at his Surrey home on September 13.

Judge Stephen Climie said “a disturbing set of events” had unfolded at the striker’s house as the police arrived – one that justified sending him to prison.

Two charges of possessing bladed articles – a meat cleaver and a kitchen knife – will be left to lie on file, while the ex-Everton, Ipswich and Charlton striker has already admitted one count of possessing class A drug cocaine.

Bent, dressed in a navy suit and white shirt, spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea of guilty to affray.

He was charged after an incident in which he was reportedly Tasered by police, who had been called to reports of a break-in at his home in Claremont Lane, Esher.

Judge Stephen Climie adjourned the case until next month so a probation report could be written.

But he warned the former striker he is at risk of being jailed.

“I adjourn your case for sentence on February 12,” he said. “Between now and then, I expect the Probation Service to prepare a report on you, which you are required to attend for interview to discuss in greater detail the background to what, on paper, is a disturbing set of events, which I'm sure you appreciate.

“On the face of it a custodial sentence is justified. Whether that is the right sentence in the context of this case is not a matter I will prejudge.”

Bent was given unconditional bail.

The ex-England Under 21 international played 574 games and scored 113 goals during his professional career at 14 different clubs, including Crystal Palace.

Additional reporting by Press Association

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