Jon Flanagan was sentenced at Liverpool & Knowsley Magistrates Court. Image: Google Maps

Liverpool footballer Jon Flanagan has been sentenced to a 12-month community order involving 40 hours of unpaid work for assaulting his girlfriend Rachael Wall.

The 25-year-old defender pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to common assault by beating her in the street.

BREAKING: Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan sentenced to 40 hours of unpaid work and 12-month community order for assaulting his girlfriend. #SSN pic.twitter.com/JTZYbxscW4

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 17, 2018

Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard he pushed and then kicked his partner in an attack on Duke Street in Liverpool city centre at around 3.20am on 22nd December.

District Judge Wendy Lloyd sentenced him today to the 12-month community order, which includes 15 rehabilitation activity days, 40 hours of unpaid work, £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

The judge said:

You are, of course, a young man of previous good character and therefore it’s undoubtedly sad that you have brought yourself here by your behaviour.

Lionel Greig, mitigating, said Flanagan:

deeply regrets his behaviour, and, there is genuine remorse.

Mr Greig said both parties were under the influence of alcohol at the time and there was no suggestion there had been any previous violence in the relationship.

A Liverpool FC club spokesman condemned Flanagan’s actions:

It leaves his own reputation damaged and, through association, he has severely let down the club…

and said the club will now begin

deciding on or implementing any internal disciplinary action

Flanagan has made more than 50 first-team appearances for the club and made his debut for the club aged 18.

However, he has only played once for the club this season.