A YOUNG Liverpool footballer who punched a man several times during a 'moment of madness' in a night club has been ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.

Lloyd Jones, 21, launched the attack on the man in the Moo Moo club, Cheltenham, after the man had sat down in a private area reserved for Jones and his teammates, Gloucester Crown Court was told.

Another man also joined in the attack and it was not clear who caused the most serious injury suffered by the man - a two centimetre cut over his eye which needed 12 stitches, the court was told.

Jones, of Caradon close, Plymouth, who was on loan from Liverpool FC to Swindon Town at the time of the incident on March 12 this year, pleaded guilty to affray.

He denied assaulting the man causing him actual bodily harm and was formally cleared of that charge after the prosecution offered no evidence.

Jones further admitted a common assault on a woman who suffered bruising when he bumped into her inadvertently during the melee.

Judge Peter Blair sentenced Jones to a 12 months community order with a requirement to do 80 hours of unpaid work.

Jones was also ordered to pay £150 compensation to the man and £50 to the woman as well as costs of £340 and a surcharge of £85 - making a total of £625 to be paid by October 4.

Prosecutor Janine Wood said Jones and his Swindon teammates went to the club after a match and had paid for the use of a private booth with seating.

Shortly after 2am his male victim, who was out to celebrate a friend's move to Sweden to play football, felt 'a bit strange' and got some water from the bar before sitting down in the private area, she said.

"A man near him said 'Get out of the f***ing booth now,' and the man replied 'Two seconds - just a bit dizzy.'

"He then stood up and was punched multiple times to the face. He felt a blow to his eyebrow which he thought may have been a glass.

"The next thing he remembered was being in the first aid room. He had a 2cm by 2cm cut which needed stitches. It is accepted there was another person involved who has not been charged and it is not known exactly how the injury was caused. "

Door staff broke up the incident and ejected everyone involved.

Mrs Wood said police arrived and Jones approached them and told them candidly that he had hit the man. He was then arrested.

Jones was of previous good character, she added.

Probation officer Leah Demmon, who interviewed Jones before today's hearing, said "He indicates that while at first he had no problem with the victim being in their booth a confrontation began between him and another team member.

"He tells me that because of the alleged actions of the victim he became angry and unfortunately lost his control. In my submission he has demonstrated poor emotional management and problem solving skills.

"But it does not appear that there is any pattern of behaviour which requires addressing at this stage. He is remorseful. He has demonstrated great insight into the impact on the victims. He says he did not intend to cause any harm to the female victim who unfortunately became embroiled in the melee.

"He does not demonstrate attitudes supportive of violence generally.

"He is a professional footballer and resides in the Liverpool area. That is the club he plays for.

"There are character references from many people involved with him and it is clear he is a well thought of young man. They show surprise at what he has done. "

David Emanuel, defending, said "He fully accepts that his behaviour was totally unacceptable. He says a drink was thrown by the victim but he doesn't seek to excuse what he did. He accepts, and always has done, that he was the first to strike out and that he punched the complainant a number of times."

Jones had admitted his offence immediately to police at the scene, even before they had found out what happened, he said.

"He went up to an officer and said 'Can I be honest with you, it was me that hit him. I hit him a few times.'

"That was an honest and candid reaction and it cannot have been easy for him to do, knowing the consequences it would bring him, including his immediate arrest."

Mr Emanuel said Jones now has 'genuine empathy' for his victim and is 'truly sorry for what he put him through that night.'

Jones was a young man who had worked incredibly hard to achieve his current position with Liverpool, the barrister said. The club's head of education and welfare and a member of the academy management were present in court.

"My client is desperate to show everyone that this was truly out of character and will never be repeated," said Mr Emanuel.

"He is of previous exemplary good character. The references speak of him as 'a great role model,' 'a mentor', a 'grounded and generous' man, and 'one of the most dedicated athletes we have ever worked with.'

"He is also referred to as level headed and calm.

"The education and welfare officer of the club says he is one of the most dedicated young men they have ever had in the academy. He said he was gobsmacked to hear what he had done.

"They say he would be the first person they would pick to represent the face of the club.

"The consequences of this moment of madness for him are not yet settled. He has been at Liverpool for a year. His dream has always been to play for the first team. He plays for the Under 23s at present. What is going to happen remains to be seen at a club which has an enormous reputation. "

Judge Blair told Jones it was an 'unpleasant incident' but he accepted it 'erupted' out of the blue and was not initially of Jones' making.

"But you responded in an inappropriate way to the events that were unfolding in front of you. You have now shown remorse and you have an impeccable good character."