Andy Carroll fined for nightclub assault

NEWCASTLE United striker Andy Carroll was yesterday ordered to pay more than £3,000 over an accidental glassing in a city nightclub.

The 21-year-old injured non-league footballer Michael Cook during an altercation at the Blu Bambu club, in the Bigg Market, Newcastle, in the early hours of December 7, last year.

The under-21 England international threw a drink into Mr Cook’s face and the glass slipped out of his hand, cutting the victim’s right eyebrow, Newcastle Crown Court was told.

Carroll, who had drunk about nine pints, admitted assault by beating, but said he had not meant the glass to hit Mr Cook.

Peter Gair, prosecuting, said the incident happened during a dispute over a spilt drink between Mr Cook and a woman who was with Carroll. She threw a drink over him, he retaliated and then Carroll threw a drink at Mr Cook.

Mr Gair said Carroll’s hand was wet and added: “His glass left his hand and struck Mr Cook just above his right eye.”

Mr Cook said his wound had healed, but he had suffered psychologically from press attention and abuse from Newcastle fans and fellow footballers.

Carroll had been due to stand trial for assault causing actual bodily harm, but the charge was dropped after he admitted the lesser charge. Stuart Driver, in mitigation, said the glass accidentally travelled through the air when Carroll threw his drink at Mr Cook.

“The injury was unintended by Mr Carroll and is regretted by him,” he said.

Judge Esmond Faulks fined Carroll £1,000 with a £15 victim surcharge and ordered him to pay £1,494 costs and £2,500 compensation to Mr Cook.

“Andy has had a lot of support from the people around him,” said Newcastle manager Chris Hughton during a team press conference yesterday. “And the reason for that is because he’s a player and an individual who is very much liked.

“He’s a player who has made mistakes, and he’ll hold his hand up to that and has an opportunity now to put it behind him.

I absolutely see something in him that’s worth investing all the time and effort.”

■ Police are still investigating a fire that destroyed Carroll’s Range Rover at teammate Kevin Nolan’s home last Wednesday.