How a chance meeting led passionate Leeds United fan to lose his girlfriend to 'hero' Tony Dorigo

Tony Dorigo (left) outside Leeds Magistrates' Court, where Gareth Senior (right) was fined for attacking the former Leeds United footballer in a White Company store.

Gareth Senior is passionate Leeds United fan who regarded Tony Dorigo as one of his heroes until the day he introduced him to his girlfriend, his solicitor told the court.

Senior described in court how his relationship with Ms Joss began to sour following a chance meeting with the former football professional at a music event in Manchester in August 2017.

Senior had left his partner of 25 years to start a relationship with Ms Joss in April 2016.

The defendant told the court he was big fan of Leeds United and Mr Dorigo in particular.

He described how he had taken Ms Joss to the August bank holiday event in Manchester as a birthday treat.

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He said: "We were having a couple of drinks at an outdoor music event.

"It was very busy and the sun was shining and I saw someone who I thought was Mr Dorigo.

Tony Dorigo and new girlfriend Claire Joss outside Leeds Magistrates' Court, where Gareth Senior was fined for attacking the former Leeds United footballer in a White Company store.

"I was surprised to see an ex-Leeds footballer, especially in Manchester."

Senior said Mr Dorigo stopped to speak to the couple.

He continued: "Claire informed me that October that Mr Dorigo messaged her to ask her to meet him when she was in London, as she often works there, or when he was over in Leeds. To meet one to one and not not with me present."

He told the court that his relationship broke down with Ms Joss in late November or early December.

Tony Dorigo during his playing days for Leeds United.

Senior said he became suspicious after friends had told him Ms Joss had been seen with Mr Dorigo over the Christmas period.