Footballer Simon Lenighan spared jail after attacking three women in Harrogate

Lenighan, of Parliament Terrace, Harrogate, pleaded guilty to assaulting Leah Davey on February 27 at Harrogate Magistrates Court.

Prosecutor Kim Coley said Lenighan, after leaving The Viper Rooms in Union Street at 4am, approached a group of girls who were having an argument, including Ms Davey.

Lenighan then became involved in the argument and CCTV shown to the court revealed the 21-year-old pushing Ms Davey to the floor with both hands.

Ms Davey returned to her feet where she was then grabbed on the wrist by Lenighan, pulling off her £100 Michael Koors watch and throwing it against the wall.

CCTV then showed Lenighan headbutting Ms Davey on the nose before striking her friends Ella Torry and Sheridan Douglas.

Lenighan pleaded guilty to assaulting all three women, as well as damaging Ms Davey’s watch.

He was sentenced him to a community order for 12 months, including 150 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £200 in damages to Ms Davey, £50 to Ms Torry and £50 to Ms Douglas as well as £300 in court costs and a victim surcharge of £60.

Clint Chambers, for Lenighhan, said: “He had quite a bit to drink. He wishes he had not got involved and carried on walking. He would like to apologise for his behaviour.”

Lenighan currently plays for Championship side Rotherham United after being released from Leeds United in 2012 and Harrogate Town earlier this year.