An ex-Sunderland, Doncaster and Hartlepool player admits to killing his own father, after appearing in court earlier this week.
Paul Conlon has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his father Harry Conlon and is expected to be sentenced to time behind bars on Tuesday the 25th of May 2021.
The shocking turn of events followed an incident at his Dad’s home in Sunderland, on Christmas Eve last year.
Paul Conlon, 43, of no fixed address, was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after his 77-year-old senior was taken to hospital with head injuries.
Remember seeing Paul Conlon come through the ranks at Pools – and Peter Reid signed him amid some contract mix up at the Vic before his downward spiral. https://t.co/2JEixDapOD
— Nick Loughlin (@NickLoughlin4) May 24, 2021
But he was later charged with murder after his father ended up dying on the 18th of January because of what happened.
Conlon was due to stand trial at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday but pleaded guilty to manslaughter, which has been accepted by prosecutors.
Mrs Justice Lambert remanded Conlon in custody and gave no indication of the likely sentence.
Lambert, told him: “I hope you have heard what has been said, I will come back tomorrow for the sentencing.
“That will give opportunity to read through documents prepared by the barristers in this case.”
Reference was made to Conlon’s alcohol issues, but no reports were ordered. A victim impact statement is to be prepared for the case.
Residents living near the father’s home described him as a “quiet man” who was friendly and very active.
RIP H 😪❤ pic.twitter.com/659DusOj0W
— Barry Robson (@barryrobson) January 20, 2021
Conlon was a former footballer who played for League One club Sunderland back in 1996 in controversial circumstances after breaking into Hartlepool United’s senior side with four goals in 11 matches.
The Black Cats were able to sign the forward for free after reportedly exploiting a loophole in his Pools contract.
Following his Dad’s death, Det Ch Insp Jane Fairlamb, the case’s senior investigating officer, said: “This is a tragic case which has sadly resulted in Harry’s death and our thoughts go out to his family at this terrible time.
“Specialist family liaison officers will continue to offer them any support they need as they try to come to terms with their devastating loss.”
Paul initially missed a court appearance back in January because he tested positive for Covid.
Back in 2013, his wife needed staples to a head wound after being attacked by her former husband when he admitted an affair.
Paul Conlon was handed a suspended sentence by city magistrates after admitting two counts of assault.
Jeanette Conlon and her daughter Chloe Nicholson were injured on the evening of March 15th, after a row when Conlon admitted he was seeing another woman.
The court heard Mrs Conlon needed hospital treatment for a head wound, while her daughter suffered bruising after she stepped in to help her mother.
View this post on Instagram
Conlon, of Bowood Close, Tunstall, denied the charges, but changed his pleas to guilty on the day of his trial.
Magistrates sentenced him to four months’ imprisonment on each count, to be served concurrently, suspended for 18 months with supervision.
The bench also told him to pay £300 and £100 in compensation to Mrs Conlon and Miss Nicholson respectively, and £450 costs.
In mitigation, Conlon’s solicitor Chris Wilson said 10 years had passed since his client had last been in trouble with the law and the argument arose from “a number of emotional issues”.
In 2004, he was banned from the game for life by Durham FA for striking a referee in a non league game.
1996: Keith Houchen’s side thrashed Leyton Orient in a 4-1 win at Victoria Park.
Paul Conlon, Joe Allon, Ian McGuckin and Chris Lynch with the goals for #Pools. #HUFC pic.twitter.com/aCBDxBPStC
— On This Day HUFC (@OTDHUFC) February 24, 2021
Fans reacted as the ex-Sunderland, Doncaster, Hartlepool player admits killing his own father…
@GasManTim: He was a decent turn. Bit gutted when Reid robbed him off us.
@KDixon1984: I genuinely thought we had a future club legend in Paul Conlon, fast forward 6 year I’m playing against him in the Durham FA County Cup 😩
@hpoolneil: That is tragic Nick… what a fantastic player he was for that brief period…. some people just can’t hack it.
@paulkeay: That’s a shocker that story, tragic.
@ashy253: Paul Conlon you fucking scumbag
@RegiRedman: Scary int it. Mans lost the plot like
@ldgreen76: Once an arse, always an arse! Got plenty form, but this is next level! Hopefully gets tortured inside!
@rosstaylor1977: Hope he rots arsehole
@Tone87Zebra: Shocking mate init. Hopefully gets kicked to fuck inside
@ForeverAYellow: Jeez, absolutely shocking to hear how much of a scumbag he is. Killed his dad, atatcked his wife, had an affair, assaulted a ref, banned from football for life, lock him up for life for the safety of the public
You must be logged in to post a comment Login