Footballer gets suspended sentence over Elvis impersonator attack

Blackburn Rovers forward Anthony Stokes has been given a suspended prison sentence for assaulting an Elvis impersonator.

The Republic of Ireland international was found guilty of attacking former car park attendant Anthony Bradley in Buck Whaleys nightclub on Leeson Street in Dublin on June 8, 2013.

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Although Stokes avoided jailtime, the 28-year-old was forced to pay €30,000 to the 53-year-old for breaking his nose and two of his teeth in the incident.

During the court case, Bradley revealed that he had lost his job following the assault, after suffering physical and psychological effects.

"I never thought I'd find myself in this situation," he told the court.

"I find it difficult to express in words the impact it has had on me. I'm now living day to day as I've lost the security of the job I had."

Bradley also claimed that he has spent over €13,500 in medical bills, and will be taking a case for damages to Ireland's High Court.

Judge Patricia Ryan said she was taking into consideration “the seriousness of the offence and the personal circumstances” when determining her judgement, ordering Stokes sign a bond to be on good behaviour for two years.

Since moving to Blackburn from Hibernian, Stokes has made just two Championship starts, and has just one league goal in seven total appearances.