The ex-girlfriend of Leicester City footballer Danny Simpson has defended the sportsman after he assaulted her during a drunken row.

The 28-year-old could face a jail term after he was found guilty of one charge of assault by beating.

On December 29 last year, police found Simpson 'straddling' his former partner Stephanie Ward with both hands around her throat after they answered a 999 call, Manchester Magistrates' Court heard.

Following the conviction, Ms Ward, who is the mother of Simpson's daughter Skye, has decided to give her public backing to the footballer, who she describes as a "good person who I love and respect".

The statement, which has been published by The Mirror, read: "I am devastated by today's outcome for Danny, our family and our daughter Skye. I am not a victim at all. Danny is a kind, loving father and despite our ups and downs he is a good person who I love and respect.

"We did get into a heated argument. I asked Danny to leave but he wouldn't so I called police. When they arrived Danny was not on top of me and he definitely did not throttle me. I told police I would not make a statement as he is not violent.

"I later attended the police station of my own accord to ask for bail conditions to be dropped as Skye and I missed Danny terribly. I gave an interview saying he did not assault me. My statement was dismissed at court. This verdict will put more strain on our family. I now have no faith in our police or judicial system."

Simpson will be sentenced next month.