Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan pleads guilty to assaulting girlfriend

The 25-year-old footballer appeared at Liverpool magistrates court on Tuesday accused of beating Rachael Wall

The Liverpool FC defender Jon Flanagan has pleaded guilty to assaulting his girlfriend.

The 25-year-old footballer appeared at Liverpool magistrates court on Tuesday accused of beating Rachael Wall.

He was charged after an incident on Duke Street in Liverpool city centre at about 3.20am on 22 December. The case was adjourned to 17 January when Flanagan will be sentenced.

The court heard he had been seen on CCTV assaulting his partner, who he has been in a relationship with for 18 months.

Lionel Greig, defending, said Wall had not provided a statement and there had been no previous instances of domestic violence in their relationship.

He said both parties were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

The district judge, Wendy Lloyd, said she had been given a breakdown of the CCTV, which showed Flanagan assaulting Wall on several occasions that night and kicking her at one point.

She told Flanagan he would face a community penalty. “I need to be reassured that these circumstances will never be repeated again,” Lloyd said.

Flanagan was granted unconditional bail.

PA