A FOOTBALLER who was yesterday convicted of assault for a second time was fined and warned by a sheriff that if it happened again he could go to prison.
Darren Henderson, who plays for Ayr United, was fined #400 at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court after he admitted attacking a Scotland fan out celebrating the team qualifying for the World Cup.
Henderson, 31, a midfielder, assaulted Michael Hamilton as he lay defenceless on his back.
Mr Hamilton was punched to the ground then Henderson carried on battering his fists into his head until he was pulled off.
The attack was captured on closed circuit cameras and both Henderson and a friend, Alistair Doyle, were arrested.
Henderson admitted assaulting Mr Hamilton in the town's Portland Street on October 12 last year. Doyle, 26, a stock controller, also pled guilty to assault and was fined #300.
Sheriff Terence Russell warned Henderson he would be dealt with more severely if he committed another assault.
He said: ''This incident followed you being convicted in September 1996 on a charge of assault. You will have to be careful or you will find yourself facing another disposal.''
Ayr United staff at Somerset Park yesterday referred all inquiries to manager Gordon Dalziel who was not answering his telephone.
However, it is not known whether Henderson has told his manager about his latest conviction or if it will have any affect on his future.
Henderson refused to comment about his future as he left the court and said: ''I don't want to talk about it in case I get into trouble.''
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