Police tasered drugged Marcus Bent after threats

Former Premier League striker Marcus Bent has escaped jail as he was sentenced for confronting two officers with a meat cleaver and a kitchen knife while in a “delusional” state under the influence of cocaine.

Bent, 37, pleaded guilty at previous hearings at Guildford Crown Court to possession of cocaine and affray.

He was sentenced to a 12-month jail sentence suspended for two years, ordered to pay £500 compensation to each of the officers, £1,500 court fees, 200 hours community service, a two-month night-time curfew and a victim surcharge of £100.