A FORMER Colchester United player has admitted smashing his way into the home of his then girlfriend and attacking her.

Jamie Guy, who has a history of violence against women, admitted assault by beating and using violence to secure entry to a property when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday.

Guy, of Roach Vale, Colchester, attacked her in front of a child.

The 28-year-old, who currently plays for Heybridge Swifts, appeared before Judge Patricia Lynch QC.

She said: “What you did was disgraceful.

“It was particularly disgraceful because of the child and I hope you are thoroughly ashamed of yourself because of that.”

Guy had been facing a trial but changed his plea to a lesser offence, which was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service.

On January 23 Guy broke through the front door of a home in Baddow Road, Chelmsford.

He proceeded to attack his then girlfriend.

Because of his history of attacking women and because this involved domestic violence sentencing has been adjourned for the probation service to prepare a report.

Guy could be facing up to six months in jail as a result.

Gerard Renouf, prosecuting, told the court a previous allegation had been made against the defendant by the same victim.

He said: “He has laid his hands on her before but it did not come to court.”

He has convictions for three relevant matters previously.

Judge Lynch QC said: “The serious aspect of this case are the assault took place and it involved a child.”

She also praised the work of an Essex Police officer and the investigation carried out to bring the case to court.

The court also heard the victim did not want the case to proceed.

Guy admitted assault by beating, also known as common assault, but details of the nature of the attack will not be heard until he is sentenced, at Chelmsford Crown Court on June 22.

He also admitted he “used violence for the purpose of securing entry into premises, knowing that there was someone present who was opposed to the said entry”.

Guy played more than 50 times for Colchester United FC between 2004 and 2010 scoring three goals.

He has also played for several other league clubs and in Essex for Tiptree United, Grays Athletic, Braintree Town, Witham Town, Maldon and Tiptree, Billericay Town and Brentwood Town.

He was bailed until he is sentenced.