Ex-Tottenham striker walks free despite punching Tesco worker to ground

A former Tottenham striker has narrowly avoided jail time after punching a Tesco worker to the ground.

Chris Armstong, who also caused £2,000 worth of damage to the supermarket in Chelsea, was fined £180 and given an 18-month community order at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for common assault and causing criminal damage on Tuesday.

District Judge Louisa Cieciora told Armstrong, 40, when sentencing: “(I was) just about persuaded that this does not cross the threshold for custody."

He then warned any further breach would land him in jail.

Ms Cieciora also ordered Armstrong, who was drunk at the time of the incident, to complete 30 days of rehabilitation and a six-month alcohol treatment programme after he pleaded guilty to the charges.

Prosecutor David Burns explained how Armstrong punched the shop’s security guard, Alex Boateng in the face, before kicking him while he was on the floor after Mr Boateng refused him entry into the store.

The former Premier League player, who wanted to buy cigarettes, then entered the shop before kicking over items including security scanners and baskets.

Mr Burns said: “The security guard states there was an issue with the main entrance doors meaning they could not close.

“He heard a male shouting, he turned around and saw Armstrong, who tried to push into the store.

“He confronted the security officer, punching him in the side of the face and causing him to fall to the ground.

“He then kicked him while he was on the floor.”

Defence lawyer McKenzie Webster said: “I would like to begin by expressing how remorseful Armstrong is for his actions.

“He feels quite terrible for what he has done to the employee at the Tesco he has frequented for the last 14 years.

“He has written a letter of apology to the employee which he hopes has been passed on.

“Armstrong is a 50-year-old father of two grown children who are in the court today.

“This behaviour is far outside his norm and he is not a violent individual.

“During the pandemic his drinking and drug consumption increased, and he was separated from his family."

Ms Webster added that Armstrong had stopped taking drugs and reduced his alcohol intake since the incident.

In closing, Judge Cieciora said: “There was certainly more than minor injury caused, it was certainly done out of anger about being refused entry to buy cigarettes, and £2,000 is quite a lot of damage to cause.

“On the one hand, you were under the influence of alcohol – that makes it more serious.

“You assaulted an individual who was there for public service.

“On the other hand, in your favour is the fact you have shown remorse and you have no recent previous convictions.

“I have read from your family that this is really out of character, and you are generally a very positive influence on lots of lives.

“I am just about persuaded that this does not cross the threshold of custody.

“You have got to use this opportunity to help yourself.

“If you find yourself back before me after having not completed any of these requirements or having offended further, you will face a jail sentence.”