Newcastle footballer and sex attacker sentenced to community order

NEWCASTLE FOOTBALLER AND SEX ATTACKER SENTENCED TO COMMUNITY ORDER

A TALENTED footballer who dreamed of playing for Manchester United was shamed as a sex attacker yesterday.

John Moore, 28, attended a school of excellence at the same time as a young David Beckham and Ryan Giggs were making their way through the ranks of the Premiership club.

But instead of achieving his goal of joining Sir Alex Ferguson's Old Trafford side, Moore ended up being arrested during Northumbria Police's Operation Phoenix, which tracked down sex offenders using advanced DNA techniques.

Newcastle Crown Court was told how Moore had targeted a woman driver who was parked in Grey Street in the city while she waited for colleagues to sell flowers around pubs and clubs.

Robin Patton, prosecuting, said the married mother was approached by Moore who performed a sex act in front of her.

He tried to get into the car but the doors were locked.

He ran off but was caught seven years later after DNA linked him to the scene.

Moore already had a conviction for grabbing a stranger in a park and spitting in her face.

Moore, who has since worked as a postman and a taxi driver until his licence was revoked, pleaded guilty to indecent assault.

John Elvidge, defending, said: "During this period he used to abuse drink and drugs and could not actually remember the episode.

He is disgusted and upset with himself for behaving in that way." Moore, of Denton Grove, Newcastle, was given a two-year community rehabilitation order.