A former Premier League striker has avoided jail after punching a Tesco worker in the face and causing £2,000 worth of damage in the shop.
Chris Armstrong, who played for Tottenham between 1995 and 2002, admitted a charge of common assault and criminal damage at Westminster Magistrates' Court in January.
The 50-year-old returned to the same court on Tuesday morning for his sentencing. He was fined £180 and given an 18-month community order.
Armstrong was also ordered to complete 30 days of rehab and a six-month alcohol treatment programme.
The two offences happened at a Tesco supermarket on Fulham Road, Chelsea last July when staff informed Armstrong the shop was shut.
Armstrong kicked over security scanners, a stand of baskets and other items - causing damage - and punched employee Alex Boatang, the court heard in January.
He was trying to buy cigarettes. The time was 2.15am.
At his sentencing on Tuesday morning, District Judge Louisa Cieciora told the defendant she was "just about persuaded that this does not cross the threshold for custody".
But she warned him that any breach of his punishments would lead to jail time.
Armstrong appeared at court wearing a black suit, tie and pale blue shirt, while his son and daughter watched on from the public gallery.
"The security guard states there was an issue with the main entrance doors meaning they could not close," prosecutor David Burns told the court on Tuesday morning.
"Armstrong heard a male shouting, he turned around and saw Mr 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 Armstrong was "remorseful" for is actions, fulled by an increase in drug and alcohol use during the Covid pandemic.
The claim he tried to "push into the store" was also disputed. And the defence insisted he has "stopped taking drugs and reduced alcohol intake since the incident".
"I would like to begin by expressing how remorseful Mr Armstrong is for his actions," said Webster.
"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. Mr 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."
Armstrong played for Wrexham, Millwall, Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Bolton during his professional career, scoring more than 150 goals at club level.
Judge Cieciora summarised: "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."
Judge Cieciora went on to say: "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."
