Latics scout admits assault

COMMUNITY service . . . Butler

OLDHAM Athletic’s chief scout has been ordered to carry out community service after admitting assault.

Former Republic of Ireland international Paul Butler (38), from Pickmere, will have to do 120 hours’ unpaid work following a punch-up at a school charity event.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Chester Crown Court.

Police had been called to an incident at a school’s PTA fund-raiser at a golf club in Knutsford, on September 18, last year.

A fellow guest at the Knutsford Oktoberfest at Mere Golf Club is reported to have suffered a broken nose and a split lip.

Latics manager Paul Dickov named the former Premier League defender as his chief scout last July. Butler is self-employed and works for the club on a freelance basis.

Manchester-born Butler played for Sunderland, Rochdale, Bury and Wolves. He was captain of Leeds United before moving to Milton Keynes Dons on loan and then joining Chester City. He went on to earn a UEFA ‘A’ coaching licence.