Former Everton striker Marcus Bent could face jail after he admitted affray.
The 37-year-old today pleaded guilty to the charge, which arose from an incident at his Surrey home on September 13.
The ex-England U21 international had previously entered a guilty plea to one count of possessing a 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 responding to reports of a break-in at his home in Claremont Lane in Esher, Surrey, on September 13.
Marcus Bent when at Everton (centre)
The court heard that two charges of possessing bladed articles, namely a meat cleaver and a kitchen knife, would be left to lie on file.
Lee Harris, prosecuting, said: “The Crown take the view that his intention and what was in his mind at the time is not a matter of law.”
Judge Stephen Climie adjourned the case until next month, pending a probation report, but warned the former striker he is at risk of being jailed.
At the hearing, held at Guildford Magistrates’ Court, which was sitting as Guildford Crown Court, the judge said: “I adjourn your case for sentence on February 12.
"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, from Esher, Surrey, was released on unconditional bail.
The retired footballer was David Moyes’ first summer signing for the 2004/5 season when he agreed a three-year-deal at Goodison Park, costing the Blues £450,000.
He scored Everton’s first goal of the 2005/06 season in the 1-0 win over Bolton before joining Charlton in the 2006 January transfer window for £2.5m.
Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/