A FORMER Eastleigh star has been jailed for assault and robbery.

Chris Zebroski, who currently plays for Newport County, was told he only has himself to blame if his football career is over after he was handed a four year and four month sentence for robbery and assault.

Daily Echo:

Chris Zebroski in action for Eastleigh against Tonbridge Angels in April 2013

Zebroski, who played for the Spitfires towards the end of the 2012 and 2013 season, stumbled as he heard the sentence and was led out of the dock.

The judge said that if custody led to the end of Zebroski's football career that was regrettable but that consequence lay in Zebroski's own hands.

The 28-year-old striker admitted four charges of robbery, attempted robbery and assault relating to two incidents.

Daily Echo:

Zebroski playing for Eastleigh against Eastbourne Borough

Swindon Crown Court heard he crashed his BMW into a taxi in December and attacked another taxi driver who filmed him when he got out of the car and tried to take his mobile phone.

He also assaulted and attempted to rob two men in February.

Zebroski, whose former clubs include Cheltenham, Bristol Rovers and Millwall, hit the taxi of Icowalik Vladimirej in Swindon on 14 December.

Recorder Ian Lawrie said: "Whatever talent you had as a footballer has been squandered because of alcohol abuse.

"It is a matter of regret if this sentence shatters your professional football career."