A FOOTBALLER attacked his team-mate in a Hereford nightclub following their club’s end-of-season presentation evening, a court heard.

Father-of-two Stuart Mills admitted assaulting his Holme Lacy FC colleague Elliott Thomas in Play Nightclub.

Lesley Ashton, prosecuting at Hereford Magistrates Court last Thursday, said Mr Thomas had gone into Hereford to celebrate his parent’s 25th wedding anniversary on May 28 and ended his evening in the nightclub.

Miss Ashton said: “During his time there he recognised
members of his Holme Lacy football team and one of them was Mills.

“He had known him about a year through the football
team but wouldn’t describe him as a friend. Mr Thomas
first saw Mills as he was walking off the dancefloor
and the other was walking onto it.

“As they approached each other Mr Thomas held out
his hand to shake with Mills, who headbutted him
before then punching him to the face and punching him again.

“In response, Mr Thomas took Mills to the ground and put him in a headlock before security staff separated
them.”

“He couldn’t think why Mills behaved like that and
was angry,” added Miss Ashton.

“It was an unprovoked attack and Mills’ head was used as a weapon.”

The attack left Mr Thomas with bruising.

George Cousins, defending, said the pair had been
in the same football team and there were “some issues”
between them.

Mr Cousins said: “Mills clearly thought there was going to be a further issue and puts that down to drink but accepts he was in the wrong. There was nothing from the injured party to cause him to react the way he did.

“Mills has been in trouble before for a similar incident
three-years-ago.” Jessica Dodds, probation officer, said that the majority of the football team were on a night out following a football presentation.

“Mills said the pair previously fell out and just didn’t get on,” added Miss Dodds.

“He feels very embarrassed with himself and it isn’t something he would normally do.

“Through third parties he has said sorry for what has happened. He goes out every couple of weeks and
is a binge drinker.

“Since the offence he has made an effort not to drink
so much.”

Magistrates ordered Mills, who is 28 and from
Hardinge Close, Holme Lacy, to complete a community
order for 12 months including five days of rehabilitation
activity and 40 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £25 to Mr Thomas.