Livi goalie attack thug faces justice after years on run
A thug who left Livingston FC goalie Shamal George lying in a pool of blood after a brutal bar attack has finally been brought to justice.
Ross Gardner, 35, spent years on the run after the sickening assault outside the Red Door pub in Liverpool in 2019.
Gardner escaped to Spain after he was slashed in connection with the attack on the Scottish Premiership player – who was signed to Liverpool FC at the time – but was arrested on April 9 after returning to the UK for a family funeral.
Gardner, who had been convicted in 2021 during his absence, admitted a further offence of breaching court bail and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Liverpool Crown Court heard how 26-year-old Livi player Mr George “honestly thought” he was “going to be killed” after Gardner attacked him and his brother Lloyd Smith on the night out.
The keeper, who joined the West Lothian club in 2022, recalled having “about three drinks” throughout the evening and said he had not consumed any more alcohol as he had training the following day.
He had been talking at the bar when Gardner jumped him and his brother. CCTV footage of the incident showed him punching Mr Smith and Mr George before being dragged off.
Gardner then launched a second attack on Mr George outside the venue, punching and kicking him to the ground. He was left bleeding heavily from his eye, causing him to fear for his sight and his sporting career.
Mr George told the court he had “never been so scared” in his life as his brother recalled him “screaming” in fear.
George’s witness statement read: “I honestly thought I was going to be killed. I am only 22 years old and I didn’t expect this to happen. I am not a fighter or a trouble causer but because of my job I attract attention, both good and bad, from the public when I am out.
“But I have never in my life felt so scared and in fear of my life as I was that night of the attack. This caused me
Shamal George great distress because this is my job, and I was unable to fulfil my role and take part in games that were important to me career-wise. This held me back and impacted my confidence.”
George’s brother Lloyd Smith added from the witness box: “I remember seeing my brother outside on the floor and there was a crowd around him.
“He was screaming that he couldn’t see out of his eye. There was a lot of blood and his eye was closed up. I tried to keep him calm and keep him still and I told him that I was there.”
The court was told there was no prior interaction between him and the brothers, who did not know their assailant.
Gardner admitted assaulting occasioning actual bodily harm against both victims, as well as a count of affray.
He was found guilty of a second charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Mr George, although he was cleared of racially aggravated assault.
Judge Menary remarked at the time that he had launched into his attack “for no good reason at all”.
He added: “Mr George and Mr Smith are perfectly decent young men who were out to enjoy a night out in the city centre.”
I have never felt so scared and in fear of my life