New Millers man escapes jail after headbutting woman

The former Leeds United footballer today pleaded guilty at Harrogate Magistrates Court to assaulting Leah Davey.

Prosecutor Kim Coley explained how, after leaving a local club at around 4am, Lenighan approached a group of girls who were having an argument, including Ms Davey.

Lenighan then became involved in the argument and CCTV shown to the court revealed the 21-year-old pushing Ms Davey to the floor with both hands.

Ms Davey returned to her feet where she was then grabbed on the wrist by Lenighan who pulled off her £100 Michael Koors watch and threw it against the wall.

CCTV then showed Lenighan headbutting Ms Davey on the nose before striking her friends Ella Torry and Sheridan Douglas.

Court Chairman David Uffindall credited Lenighan for his late guilty plea and sentenced him to a community order for 12 months, including 150 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £200 in damages to Ms Davey plus £50 each to her friends as well as £300 in court costs and a victim surcharge of £60.

The court's probation officer explained that Lenighan was out celebrating his 'not guilty' verdict following a case where he had been accused of raping a young girl.