Former Liverpool FC winger Jordon Ibe pulled a braid out of his ex-girlfriend's head during an argument, leaving her with a bald patch, a court has heard. The 30-year-old assaulted his former partner Amie Mayson outside her home in Lambeth, south London, on December 14.
Details of the assault
Croydon Magistrates' Court heard that Ibe and Ms Mayson were arguing when she confronted him about repaying money she claimed he owed. Prosecutors said Ibe had a bag containing drinks, snacks and flowers, but when Ms Mayson threw muffins on the floor and called him a "druggy", he grabbed her by the hair.
Ibe, who made 41 appearances for Liverpool before spells at Derby County, Birmingham City and AFC Bournemouth, pulled a braid from Ms Mayson's head, leaving a bald patch. He changed his plea to guilty after initially denying assault occasioning actual bodily harm in March.
Victim impact
In a victim impact statement from February read to the court on July 14, Ms Mayson said the attack deeply affected her confidence and self-esteem. She stated: "Looking in the mirror is very distressing for me, the injury is a constant reminder of what happened and often leaves me feeling emotionally drained and upset."
Court proceedings
Ibe, wearing a black jacket and trousers in the dock, spoke to confirm his personal details and apologised for getting his postcode slightly wrong, saying: "Sorry, I'm a bit nervous." The former England under-21 international now plays for Lokomotiv Sofia in the Bulgarian First League.
District Judge Polly Gledhill told the court: "We are in community order territory and I am going to ask for a pre-sentence report. I am not ruling anything out." She urged Ibe to be "as honest and open" with probation as possible ahead of sentencing.
Ibe was bailed with conditions not to contact Ms Mayson or go to her address. He will be sentenced at the same court on September 4.
