FORMER Saints defender Calum Davenport has been charged with assault following an incident in which he was stabbed.

Davenport, 26, was stabbed in both legs at his mother's home in Bedfordshire in August.

He was this afternoon charged by Bedfordshire Police with causing actual bodily harm to his sister Cara Davenport, 28.

Her boyfriend, Worrell Whitehurst, 25, has appeared in court charged with attacking the centre-back as well as his mother, 49-year-old Kim Stupple, in the driveway of her home.

Davenport said in a statement: ''I am deeply shocked and disappointed at the decision that has been made to charge me with assault.

I deny any wrongdoing and will plead not guilty. For legal reasons, I am unable to discuss the matter further at this time.''

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He is currently on the books at Premier League West Ham United.

He made seven appearances during his spell at St Mary's and was then manager Harry Redknapp's first signing.

Davenport's career was hanging in the balance after the incident but he has been able to return to light training and swimming after surgery which left him with a 15-inch scar on his leg.

Speaking on the West Ham website recently, the player said he was feeling positive.

''At the moment I am still in hospital and have quite a long way to go on the road to recovery but I am feeling positive,'' he said.

''Thanks to the club, my team-mates and fans, to the club doctors and the amazing staff at Bedford Hospital who have looked after me so well.

Doctors had to cut through muscle to repair the damage to Davenport's artery.