Former national footballer Aljame Zuill was given a two-year probation order for prowling on Friday.

Zuill, of Frog Lane, Devonshire, pleaded guilty to the charge and was given a conditional discharge by Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner. Mr. Warner said he was convinced that Zuill's "heart broke loose" over a woman he was involved with when he committed the offence on October 29 last year.

Magistrates' Court heard that he went to a property where the woman was and banged on the door after being warned away by the police.

Prosecutor Cindy Clarke said that showed his "utter disrespect for authority".

She said: "He doesn't think he's done anything wrong."

But Mr. Warner said Zuill was in need of "broken heart management" and that his actions did not make him a bad person.

He said there would be no conviction in the case but that Zuill would have to comply with his probation order, including undergoing anger management and domestic issues counselling.

He told the Devonshire Cougars striker: "I would guess that one of the reasons you find yourself in this situation is because you could not control and manage your emotions and that's what I mean when I say 'matters of the heart'.

"You can't allow that because this could lead to very serious repercussions. In this case, as in most cases, I must consider the victim impact statement."

Mr. Warner said the ex-Bermuda international was involved in positive community activities, including football, and had no previous convictions.

But he warned him: "You must stay away from this young lady. You must not contact her directly or indirectly."

He said Zuill had to learn to manage his feelings. "If not, the heart may lead you into serious trouble."