ATTACK TOOK PLACE WHILE HE DROVE HER AND THEIR BABY

ATALENTED footballer knocked his girlfriend out cold with a punch to the face as he dangerously drove the car she and their baby were passengers in.

Vincent Burke, of Rokeby Street, Liverpool, was seen by a witness “walloping” Emily Clarke in the head during an incident in Llangefni last September.

During the drive home, he assaulted her again, before pulling over, opening the door and continuing to punch Ms Clarke.

Caernarfon crown court heard Burke and Ms Clarke had been in a relationship for four years but had split up last July.

On September 28 last year Ms Clarke had contacted Burke for advice after being assaulted by

another woman in Liverpool.

Richard Edwards, prosecuting, said he had suggested a drive into North Wales and by 5pm that afternoon Burke, Ms Clarke and their young baby daughter were in Llangefni.

“Ms Clarke indicated she would like to go home and the defendant lost his temper and walked away. As members of the public became aware of them he returned to the car and drove away.

“He was shouting and screaming at her and was driving fast and erratic,” the barrister said.

At one point he went through a red light and phoned his mother.

“While he was on the phone he punched Ms Clarke to the face and after she shouted at him.

“He then punched her knocking her unconscious. again

“She came round as he splashing water into her face.

“She climbed into the back of the vehicle as the defendant continued to drive,” said Mr Edwards.

Witnesses in Llangefni saw the incident and tried to alert police.

One witness followed the car and saw Burke beating the passenger.

Another witness saw the car in Caernarfon Road, Bangor, as Burke acted aggressively towards the woman and again in Bethesda where the vehicle was causing an obstruction.

“The witness said the car was parked half on the pavement and the front door was open.

“He was leaning into the vehicle and walloping the woman three or four times,” said Mr Edwards. was

Burke was later police at Llanddulas.

Ken Heckle, defending, said Burke was a man of previous good character and suggested he was a “person crying out to be educated”.

The 25-year-old, who was on the books of Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers and Oldham Athletic, was jailed for

10 months.

Burke was also banned from driving for 17 months and must take an extended test.

A three-year Restraining Order was also made. arrested by