A FORMER Bradford City footballer appeared in court today accused of drunk and abusive behaviour towards his mother over Christmas, in breach of his bail conditions.

Louis Horne, 23, who was a defender with the Bantams when he was 19, was led into the dock at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court from the cells after being remanded in custody for two days.

He admitted breaching his court bail by attending his father's birthday celebrations on Christmas Eve and being allegedly drunk and abusive to his mother on December 27.

Prosecutor Nadine Clough said Horne, of Apperley Road, Bradford, had upset his mother, who called the police.

He was arrested from her home in Thornton, Bradford, at 2pm.

Horne is due to be sentenced for criminal damage on January 9 and magistrates released him on bail until that date.

His solicitor advocate, Kam Dhesi, said he had been a professional footballer and his parents had made great sacrifices for him.

He was not drunk on December 27 but admitted he did smell of alcohol.

Horne was rebailed on condition he does not contact his mother or go to Thornton. He must live and sleep each night at the address in Apperley Road.

Magistrates warned him he will go to prison if he breaches his bail conditions again.