Former footballer Colin Hendry given community order for harassing ex-girlfriend

Former Scotland football captain Colin Hendry has been sentenced to a 12-month community order for harassing his ex-girlfriend

The 49-year-old will have to perform 100 hours of unpaid work as part of the order after he pleaded guilty to sending unwanted text messages - up to 10 a day - and emails to beautician Sarah Kinder.

He also admitted making unwanted visits to her home in Lancashire, and twice throwing stones at her bedroom window to get her attention.

The harassment began when Miss Kinder broke off their relationship in March and continued until April 18 when the ex-Blackburn Rovers defender was arrested by police on suspicion of assaulting her.

Hendry denied common assault and the Crown dropped that allegation against him earlier this month when Miss Kinder retracted her police statement.

Hendry began seeing Miss Kinder following the death of his wife Denise, 42, in 2009 from botched cosmetic surgery.

Colin Hendry previously played for a number of clubs including Bolton Wanderers. Credit: PA

Earlier this year, he received a 17-month road ban after he admitted drink-driving in his home town in the early hours of February 21.

Paul Schofield, representing Hendry, said: "He is determined that this case marks the end of what can be classed as a blip for him, in the last six months in total, and he can assure you - through me - that he will never transgress in any way again."

Prosecutor Alison Quanbrough said Miss Kinder had not wished to give evidence against Hendry, did not want a restraining order and "simply wanted to put the matter behind her".

She added that the pair had met up for coffee in recent weeks and "everything was cordial".

Hendry enjoyed a long and successful playing career as a central defender and captained his country in the 1998 World Cup.

He played for a number of clubs including Blackburn Rovers, where he won a Premier League title, Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers and Rangers.