Paul Gascoigne admits harassment and assault

The former England footballer appeared in court on Thursday

Paul Gascoigne (PA)

Paul Gascoigne has pleaded guilty to harassing his former girlfriend and assaulting a photographer.

The former England footballer admitted harassing Amanda Thomas and assault by beating of photographer Steven Shepherd, damaging his £200 glasses.

Bournemouth Magistrates' Court heard Gascoigne, 48, harassed Ms Thomas in a series of tweets, text messages and phonecalls.

Gascoigne, who lives in Poole, Dorset, sent abusive tweets about Ms Thomas after she entered into a relationship with another man, according to the BBC.

Lee Turner, prosecuting, said Gascoigne’s tweets had the effect of encouraging other Twitter users.

"She was alarmed and distressed at their content. Mr Stone telephoned Mr Gascoigne asking him to stop, however the abusive tweets continued."

The court heard he also called Ms Thomas and threatened her the next day. He told her: “I am going to destroy you, I am going to hammer you, I am going to come into the post office tomorrow.”

He then turned up at a Post Office in Bournemouth where she worked and began “causing a scene”. Ms Thomas reported him to the police and he was arrested.

Gascoigne admitting assaulting Mr Shepherd as he took pictures of him signing autographs at a cafe in Bournemouth. He is due to be sentenced later today.

Gascoigne has experienced a highly publicised struggle with alcohol addiction and attended rehab a number of times.

He is reportedly tipped to appear on the reality TV show I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here in November.