NEWPORT County striker Chris Zebroski has been jailed for four years and four months for two alcohol-fuelled incidents of assault and attempted robbery.

Judge Recorder Ian Lowrie said the 28-year-old squandered "whatever talent he may possess" due to his alcohol addiction and failed to use his opportunities.

Following the hearing, Newport County issued a statement saying they had "no other option" but to terminate Zebroski's contract.

The footballer, of Garn Gaston, Malmsbury, admitted a "road rage" incident where he assaulted and attempted to rob a taxi driver and robbed an onlooker of his mobile phone in Swindon in December last year.

Zebroski also pleaded guilty to assaulting a man with intent to rob him of money and attempting to rob the man's friend on February 8, while on police bail.

Recorder Lowrie at Swindon Crown Court said today: "You've had opportunities.

"Opportunities for a successful, professional career.

"Opportunities to make good money.

"Opportunities in the course of doing that to set an example to youngsters.

"You failed in all those regards."

The judge added that if the custodial sentence brings Zebroski's football career to an end that is a "matter of regret" but said the consequences lie in his own hands.

He added: "You've gone from youthful obscurity to alcoholic's decline without passing through fame and achievement."

The court heard the first incident took place around midday on December 14 outside Swindon Magistrates Court, where Zebroski, still drunk from the night before, tried to squeeze his BMW between two others, causing damage to a taxi.

Prosecuting, Colin Meeke said the taxi driver Kowalik Wlodzimierez was offered cash for the damage by Zebroski.

Another driver Bala Maddu also stopped his car, fearing it had also been hit and began taking photographs of Zebroski and his car.

Mr Meeke said: "That seems to have upset the defendant."

The court heard the there was talk of the police being called and Zebroski became more agitated as he wanted to leave, claiming his girlfriend was pregnant and was about to give birth.

Mr Meeke added: "As it was clear he was intending to leave, Mr Maddu said 'it's alright, I've got his photograph on my phone'. That prompted the defendant to start demanding Mr Maddu's phone."

The court heard Zebroski then struck Mr Maddu and smashed his phone and then pursued the taxi driver in a bid to rob his phone as well.

Mr Meeke said: "He pushed him to the ground, held him by the front of his jacket and started to punch him 10 or more times."

In interview, Zebroski admitted lying about his girlfriend being pregnant and admitted he was a "bit over the limit".

The second incident happened while Zebroski was on police bail on February 8 on Victoria Road in Swindon.

Mr Meeke explained that Sanjay Badham and Steven Inglis were walking down the road when Zebroski approached them and said "give me your money or I'll hurt you".

"Out of the blue the defendant swung at him [Mr Inglis]," Mr Meeke said.

"He describes 'I feared at that time for my life as a man had attacked me out of the blue'."

Mr Meeke said CCTV showed Zebroski had taken a "fighter's stance" and the punch had caused Mr Inglis to fall back onto a windowsill.

Mr Badham got involved to try and help Mr Inglis and grappled with the defendant, the court heard.

Mr Meeke said police officers witnessed the incident and Zebroski was arrested for robbery to which he replied "you having a laugh?"

When asked for his name, Zebroski replied "Mr Robbery". He later admitted he was heavily intoxicated and an alcoholic and should not have been drinking.

The court also heard of a previous offence where Zebroski was given a community order for assault causing actual bodily harm in 2010.

Defending Rob Ross described the second offence as "juvenile", adding "he clearly doesn't need the few pound she might get".

Mr Ross argued that Zebroski should be spared a custodial sentence as after prison time, he will be too old to continue his football career.

He added: "He's accepting of his behaviour, he has a problem, he knows he needs to address it."

Recorder Lowrie sentenced Zebroski to two years for each charge in the December incident to run concurrently and two years four months for the February incident to run consecutively.

He will serve half of his time before being considered for release.

A statement from Newport County following the hearing said: "Newport County has noted the prison sentence handed down to striker Chris Zebroski today.

"The club have always had the welfare and wellbeing of Chris at heart and have worked hard with Chris and the PFA throughout.

"However, we would like to make it clear that we do not condone any of the actions for which Zebroski has been found guilty.

"Regrettably, the club is left with no other option than to terminate Chris' contract.

"Newport County will not be making any further comment on the situation."