Former Manchester City player Colin Hendry admits harassing his ex-partner

The 59 year-old has been sentenced

Colin Hendry(Image: PA)

Former Manchester City player Colin Hendry has been sentenced for harassing his ex-partner.

The 59-year-old ex-central defender, who played for the Blues for two years between 1989 and 1991, was handed a 12-month community order and a restraining order after admitting harassing her over a period of six months after their relationship ended.

Ex-Scotland captain Hendry sent her messages from multiple different email accounts, utilising no caller ID to call her after she blocked his number, Preston Magistrates Court heard.

When his calls went unanswered, he turned to other means, including dozens of emails and messaging her on LinkedIn.

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After her saying she no longer wanted any kind of relationship with him, Hendry consistently attempted to contact her, showing up to her house with unwanted gifts and flowers on several occasions.

The victim reported Hendry to the police, saying she felt depressed and anxious because of his behaviour.

Hendry was captain of the Scottish national team(Image: Getty Images Europe)

She said she was unable to leave the house without fearing an unannounced visit from him.

Lancashire Police contacted Hendry to warn him about his behaviour, telling him to stop all communications to the ex-partner which were unwanted.

While Hendry admitted to his conduct, he tried to deny it was harassment, claiming he never received a written warning from police so continued to contact her and that he was simply concerned for the affected person and her dog.

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He later admitted one count of harassment without violence.

Natasha Clark, senior crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service North West, said: "Colin Hendry harassed a former partner for over six months after their relationship ended after she stopped returning his calls.

"He ignored her wishes and breached boundaries she put in place, using multiple different platforms to contact her.

"Hendry's behaviour was intimidating and persistent, causing the victim immense distress, but despite this he initially refused to accept it was harassment.

"This outcome is a clear indication that the CPS will not hesitate to prosecute anyone guilty of harassment, whether this is in person or online."

Hendry started his football career with Dundee before moving to Blackburn in 1987 and then on to Manchester City two years later.

He rejoined Rovers for a second stint in 1991 and was a key part of the title-winning team four years later, before spending 18 months in the Scottish Premiership with Rangers towards the end of the 1990s.