Soccer star fined for park sex

Former Hednesford Town manager Steve Anthrobus has been fined for having sex with a childminder in front of a toddler she was looking after on a site popular with Black Country walkers.

Former Hednesford Town manager Steve Anthrobus has been fined for having sex with a childminder in front of a toddler she was looking after on a site popular with Black Country walkers.

The 37-year-old nicknamed "Buster" was caught in a compromising position with married mother-of-two Debbie Matthews by a young couple walking their dog in Walsall.

Anthrobus and Matthews both pleaded guilty to outraging public decency at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday.

An ambulance had to be called for 40-year-old Matthews, of Walton Road, Aldridge, who collapsed moments before entering court but was ruled fit to be sentenced by paramedics.

Miss Heidi Kubik, prosecuting, said the pair were spotted having sex on land in Clayhanger, Brownhills, close to Tesco last June 7. A toddler then in the care of Matthews was close by.

She said: "The couple were walking their dog when they spotted the two defendants. They had placed a picnic blanket on the floor and were having sex.

"The girl shouted out to the defendants, saying what they were doing was disgusting, but they carried on."

Mr Stephen Thomas, defending Anthrobus, who is married, said the former top flight footballer, who played for Wimbledon and Millwall, performed a key role in the community.

He said: "He coaches youngsters at schools and helps disabled children."

Mr Andrew Tucker, defending Matthews, said she had never been in trouble and the incident had cost her career. He said: "Her husband has been supportive throughout."

Anthrobus, ofSomerset Road, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, was fined £500 and Matthews £250

Anthrobus played in Hednesford Town's FA Trophy-winning team before taking over as club manager at the end of 2005. He was sacked in May last year.

By Andy Richardson