Francis Jeffers in trouble

His career and life continue to go down hill.

Francis Jeffers, the former Everton and Arsenal striker, has been bound over to keep the peace after a row with his father-in-law. Jeffers, 31, was found by police wielding a broomstick when they responded to a 999 call on December 21 last year, Sefton Magistrates' Court heard.

Lorraine Barton, prosecuting, said that Jeffers, of Crosby, Liverpool, had recently separated from his wife Lucy, whom he married in 2009.

"Their marriage had broken down and an incident took place outside his flat. Officers attended. They found Mr Jeffers outside one of the flats with a broomstick".

The court was told that the victim in the case was Albert Boden - the defendant's father-in-law - and that he was found by police with "some injuries". Jeffers was arrested but made a no comment interview, and was then charged with a section 4 public order offence of threatening behaviour. Mr Boden did not attend today's hearing.

Jeffers, with short cropped brown hair wore a grey suit, white shirt and black tie and spoke to confirm his name, age and address. Ms Barton said that it was now the Crown's application to request that Jeffers be bound over to keep the peace. Jeffers was asked by the court clerk if he was working and he responded: "No." He also confirmed that he was not claiming benefits. Peter Rathe, chairman of the bench, bound Jeffers over for 12 months in the sum of £100 and the section 4 public order charge was formally dismissed.

Jeffers made his Everton debut against Manchester United on Boxing Day 1997, aged 16, and was bought by Arsenal for £8m in 2001 before returning to Everton on loan. He went on to play for Charlton, Rangers, Blackburn, Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle Jets in Australia, Motherwell, and Floriana in Malta.