A DRUG addict who burgled the home of former Newcastle United star Duncan Ferguson has been jailed for four years.

Carl Bishop, 37, needed two days of hospital treatment after he was caught by the ex-Magpie at his home in Formby, Merseyside.

Liverpool Crown Court was told Bishop broke into a building used by the footballer as a gym and storage area, and stacked up champagne, whisky and other spirits ready to steal.

However, Ferguson went to use the gym and surprised Bishop.

Slightly-built Bishop swung at 6ft 4in Ferguson with a vodka bottle.

Ferguson, dubbed Big Dunc by Newcastle fans, punched Bishop in the face and grappled him to the floor.

Anthony Limont, prosecuting, said Ferguson told police: ''I ducked and lashed out with my fist, striking him on the side of the face."

Ferguson suffered damage to his knee in the struggle and Bishop was left battered and bruised.

Bishop was sentenced to four years for trespassing with intent to steal and 12 months for failing to return to jail while on licence.