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Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan sentenced for assaulting girlfriend

Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan has been sentenced to 40 hours of unpaid work and a 12-month community order for assaulting his girlfriend.

Earlier this month, Flanagan, 25, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Magistrates' Court to common assault by beating of Rachael Wall.

The court heard he had kicked his partner, Rachael Wall, in an attack in Duke Street, in Liverpool city centre, at around 3:20 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 22.

At the hearing on Jan. 2, he was given unconditional bail and the case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

District judge Wendy Lloyd sentenced him to the 12-month community order, which will include 15 rehabilitation activity days, 40 hours of unpaid work, £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge, on Wednesday.

"You are, of course, a young man of previous good character, and therefore it's undoubtedly sad that you have brought yourself here by your behaviour," she said.

In a statement, Liverpool confirmed they will now decide if any internal disciplinary action will be handed to Flanagan.

"We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the player's actions during the events that took place resulting in this criminal conviction," the statement read.

"It leaves his own reputation damaged and, through association, he has severely let down the club he had previously represented with distinction.

"We have expressed to him our disappointment and anger that he has failed to live up to the values of Liverpool Football Club, in this specific instance.

"The club has allowed the legal formalities to reach a conclusion before deciding on or implementing any internal disciplinary action. That internal process will now begin."