Leicester City star Danny Simpson let off community service for domestic violence conviction because of press 'intrusion'
The right-back has been ordered to wear an electronic tag
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Your support makes all the difference.Danny Simpson does not have to complete the rest of his court-ordered community service after his lawyers successfully argued press intrusion made it impossible
Leicester City footballer Simpson was convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child, Stephanie Ward, in June after an officer found him on top of Ms Ward with his hands around her neck in December, 2014. He was sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid work in the community but has only completed 145 of those.
His lawyers argue the press “intrusion” made it impossible for him to complete the programme after reporters found out where he was working.
Judge Alexandra Simmons accepted the reasons were not his fault and instead imposed a 21-day curfew where he must wear an electronic tag. She said a fine would be “no punishment” given the amount of money Simpson has.
The 29-year-old’s lawyer said a 10pm - 6am curfew would be “onerous” given the title-winning celebrations Leicester City have planned as well as an open top bus tour, their remaining game against Chelsea on Sunday and an upcoming trip to Thailand.
Judge Simmonds imposed the curfew anyway, saying: “I’m not satisfied a curfew would be unworkable despite the fact that the defendant will obviously be inconvenienced.
“The purpose of this order is to restrict the liberty of Mr Simpson as punishment for the offence for which he was convicted. This was an offence of domestic violence and the courts take domestic violence very seriously. You will have to serve your sentence. You will need to be in tonight at 10pm.”
Simpson’s lawyers said they had “already taken instructions on an appeal” but Simpson must comply with the order and wear an electronic tag.
Additional reporting by the Press Association.