Police Taser ex-Premier League ace after he 'runs at them with meat cleaver and knife'
FORMER Premier League striker Marcus Bent has appeared in court after allegedly charging at police with a knife and meat cleaver.
Marcus Bent appeared at Staines Magistrates Court today
The ex England-U21 player was Tasered by officers after he allegedly threatened them with the weapons outside his home in Esher, Surrey.
At Staines Magistrates' Court today, Bent - who played for 14 clubs including Everton, Crystal Palace and Leicester - pleaded not guilty to one count of affray and two of possession of a bladed article.
Wearing a grey suit with a navy blue shirt, Bent, 37, of Claremont Lane, Esher, was granted unconditional bail to attend a preliminary hearing at Guildford Crown Court on October 16.
The former footballer played more than 500 games and scored 113 goals during his career, which began in 1995 at Brentford and ended at Indonesian Super League side Mitra Kukar in 2012.
He appeared twice for the England Under 21s, against South Africa and Argentina, scoring one goal.
Marcus Bent played for 14 clubs in his league career
Bent dated ex-Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson
His transfer fees totalled more than £10 million, including a £2.1m move to Blackburn Rovers and a £3 million switch to Ipswich.
After leaving the sport, Bent went to work in the oil industry while waiting for offers from clubs.
He has also had high-profile relationships with model Danielle Lloyd and actress Gemma Atkinson.
Marcus Bent pictured leaving court today
The affray charges states Bent 'used or threatened unlawful violence towards another' on September 13.
It also alleged, on the same date, he possessed a meat cleaver and what police described as a 15 inch kitchen knife.
He is also charged with possessing 0.1 grams of cocaine.