FORMER Swindon Town youth player Chris Zebroski's footballing career could be over as he was jailed for four years and four months after pleading guilty to four charges of assault and robbery today.

The 28-year-old star Newport County striker admitted an alcohol fuelled assault outside the Adver offices on February 8 and a violent road rage clash with a taxi driver outside the magistrates court on December 14.

Swindon Crown Court was told how Zebroski, drunk from the night before, tried to squeeze his black BMW between two lanes of traffic on Prince's Street, damaging a nearby taxi.

The taxi driver refused an offer of cash from the footballer, and when he suggested involving police, Zebroski became agitated, claiming his girlfriend was in labour and he had to leave.

The taxi driver and another motorist who had stopped started taking photographs on their phones.

Zebroski, 28, of Fishponds Road, pleaded guilty to robbery and assault with intent to rob on December 14, and attempted robbery and assault with intent to rob on February 8.

"The defendant struck [the motorist] to the side of the head which was described as a weak slap," said Colin Meeke, prosecuting. "The defendant put his arm around him and with the other was trying to wrestle his phone from him. He heard the phone crack and called for help. The defendant took his phone from him and smashed it."

The taxi driver, fearing an attack on him, ran towards Sanford Street and Zebroski took pursuit in his car before pinning him to the ground, punching him 10 times and stealing his phone.

"He was left battered and bruised with scratches to the forehead and nose cut close to the eye and swollen," said Mr Meeke.

"One child in particular was heard clearly distressed as a man tried to help, saying 'dad, don't go down there'.

"When interviewed the defendant agreed he had been 'a bit over the limit'. He said he had gone too far and panicked, and did not intend to rob them."

While on police bail for that offence, Zebroski cornered three friends walking home down Victoria Road around 2am on February 8.

"One reports the defendant confronted the three of them and said 'give me your money'," said Mr Meeke. "This came completely out of the blue and he had never seen the man before. The defendant had his hands in his trousers and he wasn't sure if he had a weapon. Out of the blue the defendant punched him with a right hand and his victim went to the ground straight away. He got back up with the defendant still in front of him using his right leg to sweep his victim's legs from under him, unsuccessfully. He says he feared at that time for his life because a man had attacked him out of nowhere.

"The defendant closed on him with what he called a 'boxer's stance'. While that was happening another man confronted Mr Zebroski and describes him throwing jabs at him. The two of them came together and grappled.

"The police appeared at the scene and found the defendant who had blood round his lips, a swollen left eye, and blood spots on his shirt. The officer thought the defendant was extremely drunk."

When arrested, Zebroski refused to give his details, only giving the name 'Mr Robbery'. He told police he had been out drinking in Old Town and couldn't remember what he had done.

Rob Ross, defending Zebroski, told the court a jail term would almost certainly end Zebroski's career: "The situation clearly indicates he had lost control of himself," he said of the first offence. "It is early Sunday lunchtime in the middle of the day. I can't think of a more stupid place to commit an offence than outside magistrates court.

"The [attempted robbery] is almost 14 and 15 year old juvenile stuff. He clearly didn't need the few pounds he might get.

"I think the problem with football is that a drinking culture has been tolerated for as long as I can remember. It is difficult to grasp why he has a problem, and he is a generally nice person. He is in a profession where he is very much time limited. A custodial sentence would probably mean the end of his football career. There is no point in trying to make excuses for his behaviour, because he doesn't."

Recorder Ian Lawrie, jailing Zebroski, said: "This young man seems to have gone from youthful obscurity to terminal decline. You get drunk and can't remember how you got involved. That makes you quite dangerous.

"The one feature that strikes me is that you have had opportunities for a successful professional career, opportunities to make good money and in the course of doing that, set an example to youngsters. You have failed in all regards. Whatever talent you had as a footballer has been squandered by alcohol abuse.

"In the words of your advocate, this will be your basement moment. If this is to be the end of your footballing career the reality is that consequence lies in your own hands."

Zebroski was jailed for two years for assault and assault with intent to rob on December 14, and 28 months for assault and attempted robbery on February 8, to run consecutively.

After the ruling, Newport County terminated Zebroski's contract with immediate effect.

A spokesperson for the club said: "The club have always had the welfare and wellbeing of Chris at heart and have worked hard with Chris and the PFA throughout.

"However, we would like to make it clear that we do not condone any of the actions for which Zebroski has been found guilty.

"Regrettably, the club are left with no other option than to terminate Chris' contract."

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: "His actions were extremely frightening for his victims and likely to have a long lasting impact on everyone involved.

"Zebroski was in a prime position to be an excellent role model to today's youth, but sadly, his actions, while under the influence of alcohol, have almost certainly put an end to what was set to be a promising career in football."