Former SAFC ace avoids jail for headbutting Elvis tribute

Former Sunderland AFC striker Anthony Stokes has avoided jail for headbutting an Elvis impersonator in a nightclub.

Stokes, who now plays for Blackburn Rovers, paid his victim 30,000 euros for breaking his nose and two of his teeth but is facing a second potentially expensive payout as he is being sued.

Former car park attendant Anthony Bradley, 53, was attacked by Stokes in the VIP section of what was then Buck Whaleys nightclub on Leeson Street, Dublin, on June 8 2013.

He is now taking a case for damages to Ireland’s High Court over the attack.

Dressed in a suit and tie, 28-year-old Stokes did not speak during the hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, or as he left alone.

The father of two, who is awaiting the birth of a third child, apologised through a lawyer during the hour-long hearing.

The court heard Stokes had been in Buck Whaleys with friends,oneofwhomwasdrunk and who twice spilled drink over Mr Bradley at about 3am.

MrBradley,whohadonlyarrivedtwohoursearlierandonly had one pint in the club, spoke to the friend in a “friendly manner” about the spillage. Within three or four seconds, Stokes had intervened and headbutted him, the court was told.

Parts of statements from members of staff were read to the court, including one which said Stokes was escorted from the premises without further incident and had told an employee: “If someone puts it up to me I’m going to nut him.”

Stokes rang the hostess of the nightclub the next day to apologise.

JudgePatriciaRyansaidshe was taking into consideration “the seriousness of the offence and the personal circumstances” of Stokes. She said the 30,000eurowasnotcompensation but a practical expression ofremorseandshealsoordered Stokes, who is living in Blackburn, to sign a bond to be on good behaviour for two years.