Ronnie Wallwork

A man who delivered a potentially fatal stab wound to a West Bromwich Albion player was jailed for five and a half years today.

Robert Rimmer stabbed Ronnie Wallwork in a rage because the player was dating his ex-girlfriend.

The 21-year-old gym trainer stabbed the footballer several times in his back and abdomen in a Manchester nightclub, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Former Manchester United player Mr Wallwork, now on loan to Huddersfield Town, had incensed Rimmer when he walked into the Sugar Lounge with his girlfriend Amy Broadbent.

Mr Justice Saunders told him: “You stabbed him on a number of occasions to the back and the abdomen – the most serious to the abdomen which would easily have proved fatal.”

Mr Justice Saunders said the stabbing had caused Mr Wallwork to suffer psychologically and had affected his football career.

Rimmer, from Gorton, Manchester, denied a charge of attempted murder but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of wounding with intent.

The attack happened on November 30 last year.

Rimmer’s friend Charles Ebbrell, 27, of Denton, Manchester, punched Mr Wallwork during the attack on him. Ebbrell pleaded guilty to a charge of affray and was given a four month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £578 costs.