Ex-City star Mendham guilty of knife attack

Former Norwich City star Peter Mendham is almost certain to go to jail after he pleaded guilty to wounding with intent at Norwich Crown Court today.

Mendham, 46, of Trowse, denied a more serious charge of attempting to murder his former girlfriend Charlotte Hyam, 39 and the charge will remain on file.

The former midfielder, who worked as a fundraiser for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, was arrested on October 18 after police were called to Mendham's rented cottage in Whitlingham Lane, Trowse.

Ms Hyam suffered serious wounds after being stabbed and had is believed to have had a kidney removed, remaining in hospital for months.

In court, Ian James, prosecuting, said he had consulted with Ms Hyam and it was with her consent that the plea on the lesser charge was accepted.

Mr James said she was still suffering the effects of the attack.

Michael Clare, in mitigation, said Mendham had always admitted he stabbed Ms Hyam but never accepted attempted murder.

Sentencing was adjourned until February 19 so character references could be sought.

Judge Paul Downes, warned Mendham that it was likely a custodial sentence was inevitable.

Mendham was remanded in custody.

The former Canary star, who was born in King's Lynn, began his City career in 1978 and played in the Canaries' Milk Cup victory over Sunderland in 1985.

He joined City straight from school and scored 29 goals in more than 260 games before his Carrow Road career was ended by a pelvic injury in 1987.

He was part of the side which beat Sunderland in the Milk Cup final in 1985.

After his Norwich City career ended he went on to play for King's Lynn,Watton, Swedish club Hammarby and NAC Breda in Holland.

He later worked for the club in an ambassador role before taking up his post as a fundraiser for the air ambulance.