This is a very serious offence to which you have pleaded guilty

Derek Ashley Chair of magistrates

"One of the occupiers stumbled across the gentleman and another in the garden and there was a confrontation," the court heard.

Chairman of the magistrates Derek Ashley told Pratt: "This is a very serious offence to which you have pleaded guilty."

Pratt was given bail on condition he resides at his home address and does not approach the Fergusons' home.

The case was adjourned to Crown Court for sentencing.

Assault charge

Twenty-one-year-old Barry Dawson, was remanded on bail for one week charged with assaulting Mr Ferguson and burgling his home.

Mr Dawson, of Burscough, Lancashire, did not speak during the five-minute hearing.

He was granted bail on condition he lives at an undisclosed address in Lancashire, does not approach Mr Ferguson or his wife Janine and does not enter Rufford.

Ferguson, 29, rejoined Everton in a �3.75m transfer from Newcastle United in the summer.

He has had a controversial football career.

In 1995 he served 44 days in Barlinnie Prison after headbutting an opponent while playing for Glasgow Rangers in 1994.

He became the first professional footballer to be jailed for an offence on the field.