Jordan Ibe pleads guilty to assault after pulling braid from ex-girlfriend's head

Jordan Ibe, the former Liverpool and AFC Bournemouth winger, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to assault occasioning actual bodily harm after pulling a braid from his ex-girlfriend’s head during an argument outside her home in Lambeth, south London, last December.

Croydon Magistrates’ Court heard that Ibe, 30, and Amie Mayson were arguing on 14 December when Mayson demanded he repay money she claimed he owed her. Ibe had arrived carrying a bag containing drinks, snacks and flowers, but after Mayson threw muffins on the floor and called him a “druggy”, he grabbed her by the hair and pulled out a braid, leaving her with a bald patch.

A victim impact statement from February, read to the court, described the lasting effect of the attack on Mayson. “Looking in the mirror is very distressing for me,” it read. “The injury is a constant reminder of what happened and often leaves me feeling emotionally drained and upset.”

Ibe had originally denied the charge when it was first put to him in March, but changed his plea to guilty at Tuesday’s hearing. Appearing in the dock in a black jacket and trousers, he confirmed his personal details to the court, momentarily getting his postcode wrong and telling the judge: “Sorry, I’m a bit nervous.”

District Judge Polly Gledhill indicated the case falls within community order sentencing guidelines and requested a pre-sentence report before passing judgment. She urged Ibe to be “as honest and open” with probation as possible. He was bailed on the condition that he does not contact Mayson or attend her address.

Ibe made 41 appearances for Liverpool after coming through the club’s academy, before going on to play for AFC Bournemouth, Derby County and Birmingham City. He is due to be sentenced at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on 4 September. Ibe currently lives between Chislehurst in south-east London and Bulgaria.