The Newcastle United player with the chequered past was branded a "disgraceful coward" and jailed for 6 months on charges of common assault and affray.

Barton attacked Jordan Spencer, 16, at 5am in a Liverpool MacDonald's, reigning down 20 blows to his face and head. Jordan's friend Conner Murphy - also 16 - was attacked by the footballer's younger brother, Andrew Barton who has been charged too.

This is far from the first time the volatile player has got himself in trouble. Previous offences include the alleged assault on ex-Manchester City team-mate Ousame Dabo in early 2007.