Gazza Gets Restraining Order For Harassing Ex

Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne has been fined and given a restraining order after admitting harassing his ex-girlfriend.

The 48-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of harassment in relation to Amanda Thomas, assault by beating of a photographer and damaging his glasses worth £200 during a hearing at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court.

The court heard Gascoigne posted a series of abusive Twitter messages about Miss Thomas earlier this year, while the incident with the photographer happened in June.

Lee Turner, prosecuting, told the court the pair's relationship broke down at the end of 2014 and she had started a new relationship with photographer Andrew Stone, who was a colleague of the man who was assaulted.

On 16 March, Gascoigne phoned Miss Thomas at the Post Office shop where she works in Bournemouth, Dorset.

Mr Turner said that Miss Thomas told Gascoigne that she did not want to be contacted again, but he went on to send her text messages eight times in the following days.

He added that on 20 March, Gascoigne sent a "series of abusive tweets" including one saying: "I am going to f*** him over."

Mr Turner then read out insulting comments Gascoigne made about Miss Thomas, saying they left her "alarmed and distressed".

Mr Turner said that the following day Gascoigne telephoned Miss Thomas and told her: "I am going to destroy you, I am going to hammer you, I am going to come to the Post Office tomorrow."

Gascoigne then appeared at her place of work "causing a scene" and started shouting Miss Thomas' name, Mr Turner told the court.

He was arrested after Miss Thomas complained to the police.

The court heard that the assault against photographer Steven Shepherd, who works with Mr Stone, happened as Gascoigne signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans as he sat in a cafe in Bournemouth on 16 June.

Gascoigne confronted Mr Shepherd and demanded he give him his camera's memory card, causing a one-inch graze to Mr Shepherd's head and damage to his prescription glasses, Mr Turner said.

Mr Turner said the victim said that Gascoigne told him to "give him the f****** pictures" and Mr Shepherd gave him two memory cards.

Gascoigne's basis for pleading guilty to the two charges relating to Mr Shepherd was that he was reckless and did not mean to hurt him or damage his glasses, Mr Turner added.

Gavin Harris, defending, said Gascoigne had been in a long-term relationship with Miss Thomas for five years, but things began to deteriorate when Mr Stone and Mr Shepherd came into contact with them.

Mr Harris added that the stress of the media attention, which was "exacerbated" by the phone hacking scandal, led to Gascoigne being prescribed strong psychiatric medication.

"He feels pressure was coming at him from all sides and he cracked," Mr Harris told the court.

"He was unwell at the time, he has recovered and is regretful of his actions towards Miss Thomas."

In relation to the assault, Mr Harris said that Gascoigne had been happy to sign autographs and have his picture taken, but then realised he was "being secretly photographed by Mr Shepherd".

He went on to say that it was "no coincidence" Mr Stone was on hand to take photographs of the incident and give these to police.

District Judge Stephen Nicholls sentenced Gascoigne to a 12-month community order with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was issued with a restraining order for two years prohibiting him from contacting Miss Thomas or making comments or posting about her on social media.

Gascoigne was warned that if he breached the restraining order he could face up to five years in prison.

Gascoigne was also fined £100 for the harassment and ordered to pay £235 court costs and £1,000 compensation to Miss Thomas, £100 to Mr Shepherd, £200 for the glasses and a £60 victim surcharge.