Ex-Mansfield Town footballer jailed for attacking former wife

Daniel Holyoak (31), twice broke a non-molestation order which prevented him from approaching his ex-wife, Georgina, after their relationship broke down.

On the first occasion Holyoak caused bruising to his former wife’s leg when he kicked her as she collected the couple’s two children from school, Lincoln Crown Court heard.

Chris Geeson, prosecuting, told the court Holyoak carried out the assault after asking to give his two sons a pair of scooters which he had bought them for Christmas.

The court was told Holyoak was granted bail but carried out a second assault on his ex-wife two months later after he saw her coming out of Spalding police station.

On the second occasion Holyoak punched the rear view mirror of his ex-wife’s car, causing it to smash, and then punched her to the head several times, Mr Geeson said.

In between the two incidents involving his ex-wife, Holyoak also admitted assaulting his current partner. Mr Geeson told the court Holyoak grabbed the hair of his girlfriend and punched her as they were travelling in a car between Boston and Wisbech.

Neil Sands, mitigating, said the most enduring punishment for Holyoak was that his wife was now moving to Spain with their two children.

Mr Sands told the court Holyoak understood that the reason for the move was largely down to his actions.

The court was told Holyoak was supported by his current partner and his parents, although they did not condone his behaviour.

Holyoak, of Spalding Road, Gosberton, Lincolnshire, admitted three charges of assault, two charges of breaking a court order and a single charge of criminal damage. The offences occurred between 9th December and 2nd February.

Before passing sentence Judge Michael Heath made a restraining order which prevents Holyoak from contacting his former wife.

Judge Heath told him: “When a County Court judge makes a non-molestation order he expects that to be obeyed. You did not obey it on two occasions.

“On the two occasions you disobeyed it you used violence.”

Holyoak is a former trainee with the Stags who made his first team debut in August 2002 when he came on as a substitute against Crewe in a League Two fixture.

He made a further appearance as a sub in the League and a single first team start in the Johnstone Paints Trophy before being released.

He later played non-league football for a number of clubs including Stamford and Spalding United.