A FOOTBALLER assaulted his girlfriend in front of her nine-year-old daughter after his team lost a match, a court has heard.Craig Brown had been drinking and was “in a foul mood” when he punched his partner in the chest, and head-butted her on the bridge of her nose, causing it to bleed.

A FOOTBALLER assaulted his girlfriend in front of her nine-year-old daughter after his team lost a match, a court has heard.

Craig Brown had been drinking and was “in a foul mood” when he punched his partner in the chest, and head-butted her on the bridge of her nose, causing it to bleed.

The 22-year-old, from Cherry Tree Road in Stowmarket, pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault as a result of the attack on his girlfriend of three years.

Magistrates in Bury St Edmunds heard how Brown, who played for Needham Market reserves, had gone out drinking after his team lost 5-2 against Long Melford on Saturday, September 9.

“He had been drinking and he was in a foul mood,” said Kevin Lowson, prosecuting.

“His football team had lost and he took it out on his partner.”

After the argument, Brown's girlfriend said she was going to call the police, but Brown pulled the phone out of the wall. She picked up her mobile telephone, which he took and pulled the back off.

Brown's solicitor, James Yardy, said his client had admitted the assault and the fact he was angry when he was later interviewed by police.

“The defendant is well aware of how courts view serious incidents of this nature,” he said.

“He (Brown) is ashamed of what happened that evening. When talking to the police, he said 'I am so ashamed, I know it was wrong to head-butt her, I am so ashamed'.”

Mr Yardy said Brown, a warehouse operative, was a man of previous good character, whose copybook had “sadly been blotted”.

“The defendant plays for a local Stowmarket football team. He was not able to play (on the day of the assault), and saw his team lose quite heavily,” said Mr Yardy.

“Alcohol was a main factor in this incident. An argument ensued when he returned back to the home, but there is no excuse for the way he behaved.” Mr Yardy said the situation had been aggravated by the fact the victim's daughter had witnessed Brown punch her mother in the chest.

“This was one night of stupidity because it has taken away the two people he cares for the most in the world, and because of his actions his relationship has now ended,” he said.

Magistrate Huw Davies adjourned the matter until next month for sentencing. “Just because this is being adjourned, do not think that custody is being ruled out,” he said.

lisa.cleverdon@eadt.co.uk