Vinnie Jones on assault charge after row with neighbour

The controversial Wimbledon and Wales footballer Vinnie Jones has been charged with assault and criminal damage following an incident with his neighbour on Tuesday night, police said yesterday.

Jones, 32, the self-styled hard man of football, has been bailed to appear before St Albans magistrates' court on 17 December, after the altercation at his home in Redbourne, Hertfordshire.

Jones's solicitor, Peter Baines, issued a statement, which read: "Following a domestic incident involving one of his neighbours, Vinnie Jones has today been charged at St Albans police station with assault and has been bailed to appear at St Albans Magistrates' Court.

"Vinnie Jones strenuously denies the charge and has cooperated fully with the police in their inquiries."