A FORMER Ipswich Town footballer and his wife were facing the threat of extradition proceedings last night after failing to answer assault and racial slur charges in Barbados.

A FORMER Ipswich Town footballer and his wife were facing the threat of extradition proceedings last night after failing to answer assault and racial slur charges in Barbados.

Warrants have been issued for the arrest of Steve Sedgley, 38, the Blues' first ever £1million signing, and his partner Nicola, 33.

The couple have been accused of abusing three women following an incident in a bar in the Christ Church district of the Caribbean island two-and-a-half years ago.

But the case has never been resolved and now chief magistrate Clyde Nicholls has ordered the pair be arrested and brought to court.

At a hearing this week, he also instructed the trial to proceed in their absence next week and ordered a summons be sent to the man who had put a financial sum forward to guarantee they would answer bail.

It is understood the couple have sold their house on the island, with Sedgley now working as a youth team coach for Town's Championship rivals Luton Town.

Speaking to the EADT last night, Christopher Mayers, a special constable in Barbados, said: “I understand Mr Sedgley is coaching a football team in England. We will try to extradite him and his wife.”

A Barbadian newspaper reported that in June, the Sedgleys, through their counsel Sir Richard Cheltenham, QC, had given the court the undertaking they would apologise to, and compensate the three women, although they have yet to enter pleas.

But during another hearing in October, one of the complainants, Shelly Dear, said she had only received a letter of apology, in draft, via fax.

Attorney Sally Comissiong said: “I've been told they were not present on the last occasion and it looks like they are not interested in bringing this matter to an end.”

Steve Sedgley is accused of assaulting Wanda McClean and Shelly Dear, as well as using racially insulting words to McClean, Dear and Kimberly Rock on July 4, 2004.

Nicola Sedgley is charged with assaulting Dear and using racially insulting words to McClean and Rock on the same date.

A spokesman for Luton Town last night said the club was unaware of the outstanding warrant against Sedgley and added he would be contacting him.

The Sedgleys were unavailable for comment.

Coventry City (from 1986 to 1989)

Tottenham Hotspur (from 1989 to 1994)

Ipswich Town (from 1994 to 1997)

Wolves (from 1997 to December 2000, when he retired)

Had a spell as manager of Rymans League team Kingstonian, resigning in December 2002.

Joined Luton as a youth team coach in October 2005.