A former Nottingham Forest defender headbutted an Uber driver who had to swerve around him as he drunkenly staggered down the middle of the road.
Gregor Robertson, 39, who had a 14-year football career which included spells with the Reds, Rotherham United, Crewe Alexandra, Northampton Town and Grimsby Town appeared in Southwark Crown Court today (Friday, January 21) to be sentenced for assault.
At around 2am on May 10, 2019, Uber driver Mohammed Ahmed was driving along Marylebone Road in Central London when he saw Robertson staggering in the street.
Mr Ahmed slowed down and manoeuvred around Robertson, who kicked out at the side of the cab as it passed, Prosecutor Ivan Clarke said.
As he pulled into a Shell garage to check if his vehicle was damaged, Mr Ahmed was followed by Robertson.
When Mr Ahmed asked him why he kicked his car, Robertson replied: “I will hit you next.”
Robertson then squared up to the victim before headbutting him on the nose and striking further blows to his face.
Robertson also punched his friend as he tried to pull him away from the Uber driver.
After he was being restrained by his friend Robertson continued to shout abuse.
CCTV footage showed the attack lasted two minutes before Robertson ran off in the direction of Baker Street underground station.
Staff at the petrol garage called the police, who arrived quickly and spotted Robertson nearby.
An officer approached him and said: "Hello sir, I need to have a chat with you."
Robertson's response was to run away again.
"He was chased but it didn't last very long. He was found to be very drunk and struggled to walk, so fell over while running," Mr Clarke told the court.
"His hands were covered in blood, and there was also blood on his jacket and face."
Mr Ahmed was taken to hospital with injuries to his nose, including swelling and deformity, and what was initially suspected to be a fracture.
He lost out on earnings in the following days when he couldn't work due to his injuries.
Mr Ahmed has since suffered from anxiety, heightened by the fact that his work means he regularly has members of the public in his cab at night.
Ms Shroff, defending Robertson, said he feels 'absolute remorse' for his drunken behaviour and added that a probation officer said his remorse was 'refreshing' to see.
She said this behaviour was completely out of character and he has little recollection of the arrest.
But the judge, Mr Recorder David Jeremy QC, called into question whether Robertson had shown 'absolute remorse'.
He said: "This is a man who gave a no comment interview, leaving his options open, then only pleaded guilty on the day of trial.
"It's difficult to accept he shows any remorse, let alone absolute remorse. He in effect played the system."
He continued: "You are an intelligent, educated, articulate man in a good job.
"As a result of those qualities you live the privileged life that goes with it.
"I don't accept that you needed 18 months of your life to come to terms with your actions."
Robertson was handed a 10-month imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, meaning he won't face prison unless he breaches the conditions of his sentence.
He was also fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 in compensation to Mr Ahmed.
