Footballer turns into arrogant thug when drunk, court told

Sheffield Wednesday’s Gary Madine already had a conviction for knocking a man out in Carlisle when he attacked two men weeks apart in Sheffield bars in unprovoked assaults, Leeds Crown Court heard.

Madine, 23, was described as a powerful, English-style centre forward who was aware of the strength he possessed in his 6ft 3in frame.

The footballer, originally from Gateshead, denies all charges against him. Ian West, prosecuting, said: “The prosecution suggest in Mr Madine’s case, he in too much drink turns into an arrogant, violent thug.”

When Madine played for Carlisle United, he knocked a man unconscious in the Beehive pub in February 2010 after he was refused a drink following closing time and tried to help himself, the court heard. He pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

On the next two occasions he is charged with punching men unconscious with a single blow, knocking them to the floor and breaking bones.

Daniel Beresford, a Sheffield Wednesday fan who works at the Meadowhall shopping centre, was attacked in the Paris Bar in February last year, and suffered a broken nose, the court heard.

Reece Hall, a Sheffield United fan, was attacked the following month in the Viper Room, opposite the Paris Bar, and suffered a broken jaw and his cheek was fractured in five places, the jury was told.

Madine denies causing grievous bodily harm and the alternative charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Mr Beresford. He also denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent and the alternative charge of causing grievous bodily harm against Mr Hall.

Madine stared at Mr Beresford in the Paris Bar and when the Owls fan asked him why, the player walked over and punched him on the nose, Mr West said.

Mr Beresford was knocked to the floor and was knocked out for up to five minutes in the 1am attack, the court heard.

Madine left before officers arrived but handed himself in nine days later, claiming he acted in self-defence after Mr Beresford threw a drink over him.

The prosecution said while on bail for this alleged offence, on March 11 last year Madine was in the Viper Room and at around 1.30am was standing at the urinal next to Mr Hall, when he allegedly asked: “Wednesday or United?”

Mr Hall, who did not recognise the Wednesday striker, replied: “United” and Madine walked out of the toilets, the court heard. When the Blades fan returned to the bar he was punched in the eye, knocking him out and giving him a broken jaw and fractured cheek, the jury was told.

Mr Hall called police and gave a description of his assailant, before picking out Madine who was arrested.

Giving evidence, Mr Beresford said Madine was the star striker at the time and “one of my favourite players, someone I looked up to”.

Asked if he’d had a grievance with Madine, he replied: “None at the time. Obviously there is now.”

Alison Dorrell, defending, said Mr Beresford was “fighting drunk” and had thrown his drink over the player – a claim he denied.

The trial continues and is expected to run into next week.