Shamed striker Marlon King vows to repair reputation

Last updated : 06 August 2010 By Daily Mail

King received an 18-month sentence at Southwark Crown Court in October last year after he was convicted of punching a 20-year-old woman while out celebrating his wife's latest pregnancy at the Soho Revue Bar.

His victim, who jurors heard had spurned his advances, was left with a broken nose.

Changing man: Shamed striker Marlon King wants to repair his shattered reputation following his release from prison

King was found guilty of sexual assault and causing actual bodily harm.

The 30-year-old striker was released from prison last week having served half of his sentence but said he is desperate to clear his name because he was wrongfully convicted of the assault.

'If every conviction was 1,000 per cent right then we wouldn't have a chance toappeal,' he told BBC Radio Five Live. 'That would be the final decision.

'I'm here today and I will fight tooth and nail to clear my name and take it to wherever I've got to, if it's the last thing I do.

'I know I've made mistakes and I'm not perfect but I'm not a sexual offender, I'm not a sex beast, I've never been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman before.

On the spot: King says several clubs are interested in offering a fresh chance

'But I understand why people have that perception because it's in black and white.'

King, who was sacked from Wigan, is now looking for a new club and said the last nine months in prison had helped him reflect on his life but now hopes to return to football.

He revealed several clubs had shown an interest, including Championship sides and two Premier League clubs, but refused to name them.

'I don't expect to walk into any team,' he said.

'But I still have to go out and work and feed my family like anybody else.'

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Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail