In a bad week for the reputation of footballers, former Ipswich and Everton striker Marcus Bent has been charged with affray.
Bent has been handed a 12 month suspended sentence for attacking police officers with both a meat cleaver and a kitchen knife amidst a cocaine-induced frenzy.
The sentence consists of nine months for affray and a further three months for the possession of cocaine. It has been suspended for two years, in which time period Bent must serve 200 hours of community service along with observing a curfew for two months. Should Bent re-offend within the next two years, the prison sentence will come into effect.
While high, Bent called 999 believing his home to be subject to intrusion. Three officers subsequently called to the house, but Bent refused to answer the door, and could be heard shouting 'Help me'.
Before the police resorted to the use of a battering ram, Bent opened the door brandishing a cleaver and a knife. He was bear-chested, only wearing a pair of purple tracksuit bottoms.
The police tasered Bent and restrained him upon the floor, with a paranoid Bent shouting "'Look over there, can you see him? I can see his face, I can see his shadow".
Bent later claimed he thought the police officers were intruders also, and had grabbed the weapons for self-protection.
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