Jail for man who attacked football star

A man who punched the Liverpool footballer Robbie Fowler, breaking his nose, was jailed for 18 months yesterday.

A man who punched the Liverpool footballer Robbie Fowler, breaking his nose, was jailed for 18 months yesterday.

Paul Noon, who admitted unlawful wounding, attacked Mr Fowler, 25, at the Moat House Hotel in Liverpool in April last year. Mr Fowler's injuries included a chipped tooth, a black eye and bruising to the back of his head, Liverpool Crown Court was told.

At the time of the attack Noon, 24, of Everton, Liverpool, had been released from jail on licence after serving half of an 18-month sentence for causing death by dangerous driving in an incident in which the mother of his son was killed.

Mr Fowler, who was drinking with friends, had been in good spirits before the attack, agreeing to be photographed by a party of fans from Ireland, the court was told. A witness noticed, however, that two men - Noon and his father, Paul McCarthy - "appeared aggressive and seemed to be constantly looking at Fowler and his friends". At 4am, Mr Fowler left the bar to visit the lavatory where he was attacked by Noon.