Gerro 'threw first punch' in brawl with businessman sparking 'blackmail' plot

STEVEN Gerrard “threw the first punch” in a violent street brawl with a businessman, a court has heard.

ACCUSED: Liverpool ace Stephen Gerrard allegedly "threw the first punch" in brawl

The Liverpool FC skipper, 34, allegedly sparked a bust-up with Paul Lloyd during a night out in Formby, Merseyside, to celebrate his testimonial match.

Bank CCTV footage of the incident was then seized by off-duty policewoman Helen Jones, to be used “as a tool for blackmail”, Preston Crown Court heard.

Mr Lloyd, 35, claims he was repeatedly booted and thumped by 12 of Gerrard’s friends after allegedly being lamped by the ex-England captain outside Woodward’s Bar in Chapel Lane.

A pal of the Premier League star later offered the victim cash in exchange for his silence, it is claimed.

But the court heard that the footballer wanted to avoid confrontation and had been trying to defuse the situation.

Days after the alleged incident, on August 4 last year, Jones, 33 – who was on a career break from Merseyside Police – “flashed her warrant card” at Lloyds Bank in Formby, to get a copy of the footage.

Jones, from Chatham, in Kent, has admitted misconduct in a public office.

Mr Lloyd was summoned to the court to give evidence at a hearing to decide whether Jones’s conduct was not only illegal, but for “criminal purposes”.

Describing the CCTV footage, Mr Lloyd said: "It showed me on my own assaulted by 12 people and Steven Gerrard being aggressive and throwing the first punch, and all his friends thought it was right for me to be kicked and punched for four minutes."

The businessman told the court how he suffered injuries but did not go to hospital or make a complaint to police.

In December he was arrested on suspicion of blackmail but told the court he was released with no further action.

Jones, formerly of Cressington Park, Liverpool, at first denied all knowledge until eventually admitting her involvement and pleading guilty to misconduct in a public office.

In a pre-prepared statement to officers she said she had not received any payment for getting hold of the footage. Jones added: "I acted out of concern for someone who had previously complained they had been assaulted.”

But prosecutor Richard Haworth said Jones had used her "position, her warrant card and her authority" to deceive the bank to obtain the CCTV for "criminal purposes".

Judge Stuart Baker will give his ruling on Friday. Jones, who has resigned from Merseyside Police, will be sentenced at a later date.