Former Premier League footballer facing jail

Marcus Bent played for Everton, Ipswich and Charlton Credit: Rebecca Naden/PA Wire

Former Premier League footballer Marcus Bent has been warned he faces a prison sentence after he admitted affray.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty at Guildford Crown Court, sitting at GuildfordMagistrates' Court, to the charge which stemmed from an incident at his Surrey home on September 13.

The ex-Everton, Ipswich and Charlton striker had previously entered a guiltyplea to one count of possessing a class A drug - cocaine. He was charged after an incident in which he was reportedly Tasered by police responding to reports of a break-in at his home in Claremont Lane in Esher, Surrey, on September 13.

Bent, dressed in a navy suit and white shirt, spoke only to confirm his nameand enter his plea of guilty to affray. The court heard that two charges of possessing bladed articles, namely a meat cleaver and a kitchen knife, would be left to lie on file.

Judge Stephen Climie adjourned the case until next month, pending a probation report, but warned the former striker he is at risk of being jailed.

The ex-England Under 21 international played 574 games and scored 113 goals during his professional career at 14 different clubs including Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers.