Footballer attacked by ex-lover in shopping centre

A footballer’s ex-girlfriend assaulted him when she saw him out with an actress and model at a Blackpool shopping centre.

When Pearl Eaton told striker ex-Blackpool star Matt Blinkhorn she was pregnant by him he demanded she had a abortion or he would end their two-year romance, Blackpool magistrates were told

She refused and the couple split up as Blinkhorn denied he was the father, but DNA tests proved he was.

He started a relationship with model and actor Tina Broderick.

Eaton had a chance meeting with Mr Blinkhorn, 30, at the Houndshill shopping centre.

She punched him in the face and insulted Ms Broderick. He went into a shop but she followed and kicked and pushed him.

Eaton, 25, of Cambridge Road,Blackpool was found guilty of assaulting the footballer by Blackpool magistrates.

Ms Broderick, who has appeared in Coronation Street, and Hollyoakes, said: “I saw Pearl Eaton running towards Matt with a baby in her arms.She was saying something like this is the son you won’t see.”

Eaton who runs a beauticians business, told the hearing: “When I told Matt I was pregnant he was not happy.He said I was trapping him and if I did not have a termination he would split up with me. At first he would not accept he was the father but a DNA test proved otherwise and I now get money from him through the Child Support Agency.

Blinkhorn, player/coach at AFC Fylde, told the court that he had been in a 20-month relationship with Eaton before they split up over her pregnancy.

He said the assault took place in November last year.

Blinkhorn of Chive Close, North Shore, said:”It was all very embarrassing. I am well known in Blackpool.She was ranting and she hit me.”

Eaton was made the subject of a two year restraining order forbidding her from contacting Blinkhorn and Tina Broderick or going to their homes.

She was also ordered to pay £180 fines and costs.