News: Former Manchester City forward jailed for assault

The former Manchester City forward Kelvin Etuhu was jailed for eight months for assault yesterday. The 22-year-old, who was recently released by City, broke the jaw of a 24-year-old man during a fight last February. He had previously admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

Etuhu kicked Owen Fitzpatrick three times after punching him to the ground, and was caught on CCTV doing so. The fight occurred on 28 February last year, outside Manchester's 235 Casino. Etuhu and his friend Rico Richards, 27, were involved in a dispute inside the casino with Fitzpatrick and two other men, which continued on the street outside.

The sentencing took place yesterday at Warrington Crown Court. Judge Hale told Etuhu that he had "blown" his opportunity of a lucrative football career. "You brought yourself up by your bootstraps, you and your family, having come here from Nigeria with nothing but your talent, grit and determination," he said. "That is a great credit to you and your family and you have blown it." Etuhu's family were in court, including his elder brother Dickson who plays for Fulham and Nigeria. The 28-year-old wrote on Twitter yesterday: "Sad day for my family!"

Kelvin Etuhu was born in Nigeria but grew up in Peckham and came through the Manchester City academy. After a loan spell at Rochdale he made his debut for City in 2007 under Sven Goran Eriksson, and scored his one goal in December 2007. He had loan spells at Leicester City and Cardiff City.

City cancelled Etuhu's contract before his case came to trial.