Skelton arrested but he strangely denies it
Posted: 04 Dec 2006, 09:45
BOXER Matt Skelton has been arrested after allegedly attacking a man he believed sent his wife secret text messages asking her out.
The 39-year-old British heavyweight champion was quizzed by police for six hours over claims he battered dad-of-one John Lavin (pictured above) who needed hospital treatment.
Officers said Skelton flew into a rage after finding a text on wife Rachael's mobile he believed was from the housing association boss asking to meet up with her.
He drove 80 miles from his house in Bedford to Mr Lavin's £400,000 home in Horbling, Lincs, to confront the married dad-of-one.
The 44-year-old was knocked unconscious and suffered concussion and serious facial injuries.
Mr Lavin's terrified pregnant wife Sinead called police but Skelton had left by the time officers arrived.
He was arrested on his way back home where he lives with Rachael and their children Chantay, 19, and two-year-old Bailey and now faces assault charges.
When approached by the Mirror the 18-stone boxer, known as the Bedford Banger, denied the attack, which allegedly happened as he prepared for Saturday's TV fight against Audley Harrison. He said: "I don't know anything about it. I've never even heard of this town where it's supposed to have happened. I definitely haven't been arrested.
"And I haven't had anything to do with the police for 15 years and then it was only because I played rugby with some of them."
But a Lincolnshire police source said: "A 999 call was received from a house in Horbling alleging an assault.
Officers found a man with facial injuries and concussion who was treated in hospital.
"A request was sent to Bedfordshire police asking for them to detain a 39-year-old man on our behalf on suspicion of an assault offence. A 39-year-old man was detained and questioned."
Mr Lavin and his wife, who were at a party with Skelton and Rachael days before last Thursday's attack, withdrew their allegation - but police said the boxer could be charged with assault anyway.
A spokesman added: "This matter is not over. The file is being submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service who may decide to bring a prosecution based on what officers saw and were told at the time."
Skelton has pulled out of the Harrison clash, insisting he broke a hand in training.
Mr Lavin refused to comment on the alleged attack. He said: "I just want it all to go away."
Powerful-punching Skelton, who grew up in Bedford, has had 20 fights since turning professional three years ago and won 19.
His only defeat was last year to former British heavyweight champ Danny Williams.
He was also a world champion kick boxer who lived and fought in Japan for four years before returning to England to take up his new profession.
The 39-year-old British heavyweight champion was quizzed by police for six hours over claims he battered dad-of-one John Lavin (pictured above) who needed hospital treatment.
Officers said Skelton flew into a rage after finding a text on wife Rachael's mobile he believed was from the housing association boss asking to meet up with her.
He drove 80 miles from his house in Bedford to Mr Lavin's £400,000 home in Horbling, Lincs, to confront the married dad-of-one.
The 44-year-old was knocked unconscious and suffered concussion and serious facial injuries.
Mr Lavin's terrified pregnant wife Sinead called police but Skelton had left by the time officers arrived.
He was arrested on his way back home where he lives with Rachael and their children Chantay, 19, and two-year-old Bailey and now faces assault charges.
When approached by the Mirror the 18-stone boxer, known as the Bedford Banger, denied the attack, which allegedly happened as he prepared for Saturday's TV fight against Audley Harrison. He said: "I don't know anything about it. I've never even heard of this town where it's supposed to have happened. I definitely haven't been arrested.
"And I haven't had anything to do with the police for 15 years and then it was only because I played rugby with some of them."
But a Lincolnshire police source said: "A 999 call was received from a house in Horbling alleging an assault.
Officers found a man with facial injuries and concussion who was treated in hospital.
"A request was sent to Bedfordshire police asking for them to detain a 39-year-old man on our behalf on suspicion of an assault offence. A 39-year-old man was detained and questioned."
Mr Lavin and his wife, who were at a party with Skelton and Rachael days before last Thursday's attack, withdrew their allegation - but police said the boxer could be charged with assault anyway.
A spokesman added: "This matter is not over. The file is being submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service who may decide to bring a prosecution based on what officers saw and were told at the time."
Skelton has pulled out of the Harrison clash, insisting he broke a hand in training.
Mr Lavin refused to comment on the alleged attack. He said: "I just want it all to go away."
Powerful-punching Skelton, who grew up in Bedford, has had 20 fights since turning professional three years ago and won 19.
His only defeat was last year to former British heavyweight champ Danny Williams.
He was also a world champion kick boxer who lived and fought in Japan for four years before returning to England to take up his new profession.
