Paul Gascoigne fined, given restraining order after harassing ex-girlfriend

Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne has been fined and made the subject of a restraining order after he admitted harassing his ex-girlfriend at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court.

The 48-year-old admitted to sending "abusive" tweets, text messages and phone calls to Amanda Thomas, and also to assaulting photographer Steven Shepherd and damaging his £200 glasses.

District Judge Stephen Nicholls sentenced Gascoigne to a community order for 12 months and issued a restraining order for two years prohibiting him from contacting Miss Thomas or posting about her on social media.

He was also fined £100 for the harassment and ordered to pay £1,535 in compensation and court costs, as well as a £60 victims' surcharge.

Gascoigne, who has struggled with alcoholism for most of his adult life, won 57 caps for England during a 19-year playing career.