Marcus Bent Avoids Jail For Drug-Fuelled Affray

Former footballer Marcus Bent has avoided jail for confronting two police officers with a meat cleaver and a kitchen knife.

The 37-year-old, who was a striker for clubs including Everton, Charlton and Ipswich, had been in a "delusional" state after taking cocaine on 13 September.

Bent had called 999 reporting that he had heard intruders in his flat in Claremont Lane, Esher.

But after police arrived at the property, backed up by armed officers, they were confronted by a bare-chested Bent who was "eyes wide, jaw clenched, his body rigid".

Lee Harris, prosecuting, said the ex-England U21 star was "wild with rage".

An officer Tasered Bent before his flat was searched. No intruders were found but there was a small amount of cocaine.

He was given a 12-month suspended jail sentence, 200 hours of community service and a two-month night-time curfew after admitting affray and possession at previous hearings.

Bent also has to pay each of the officers £500 in compensation and cover £1,500 court fees.

His lawyer Andrew Henley said his client no longer used cocaine and had self-medicated with the drug.