Jones to plead guilty

2009-01-02 07:15

London - Vinnie Jones is expected to plead guilty to one charge of assault.

The former soccer star turned actor did not appear at Minnehaha county court on Wednesday for an arraignment hearing, but was represented by lawyers who said they want to discuss a plea bargain or settlement in order to avoid a trial.

Vinnie is facing three assault charges following a bar brawl in South Dakota earlier this month.

The 43-year old star is alleged to have attacked 24-year-old Juan Barrera at Wiley's Tavern, in Sioux Falls following an argument with another man, Jesse Bickett, 24.

Vinnie had 48 stitches in his face following the incident after Jesse reportedly hit him with a beer glass.

Heavy fine

Vinnie, who could face a year in prison if convicted of all the charges, has not entered a plea, but legal sources predict he will plead guilty to one charge of simple assault, which is likely to result in a heavy fine.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 21.

Vinnie - who now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children - cultivated a reputation as a tough guy on the soccer pitch playing for London team Wimbledon FC.

After his retirement from the sport, he embarked on an acting career, taking roles as thugs and criminals.

He has had numerous brushes with the law and was convicted of air rage in 2003 after threatening a fellow passenger. - Bang Showbiz.com

- Bang