Arsenal Fan TV regular Liam Goodenough – known as ‘DT’ - has released a statement after being jailed for stalking, kidnapping and assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
Goodenough, 42, was initially sentenced to 12 years in prison in November, but this was extended to three years after the case was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
He had stalked his former partner as she went on a date, having sent the woman’s brother messages threatening suicide and demanding to know the location she was at.
Using a tracking feature on her phone, Goodenough drove to the hotel the victim was staying at and verbally abused her, as well as assaulting her companion. He then proceeded to photograph her in a state of undress.
Goodenough dragged the victim out of the hotel room to his car, suggesting he had a knife and that her son was in the vehicle.
However, when she realised that her son was not in the car she tried to escape. A bystander intervened and the victim was able to get out of the car, while Goodenough escaped.
In a statement posted on social media, Goodenough apologised to his former partner and to fans, saying he feels sorry for letting people down.
Goodenough, who has appeared on YouTube channel AFTV numerous times ranting about Arsenal Football Club, said: "I know a lot of you would have seen the news about me this week and I know I have let a lot of you down but there are always two sides to a story and mine will be told in good time.
"After months of receiving help and guidance I now know I was suffering from a mental breakdown and on that night I simply snapped.
"This is not me condoning my actions I am just trying to paint a picture of what was going on in my life at that time. All I ask from everyone is that you read the key parts of the report and not the sensationalised headline.
"I cannot apologise enough to my ex-partner for putting her through this. An eight year relationship will now be remembered for nine minutes of madness and I will forever be sorry for it.
"I have also heard about a statement that's been released from someone that I called a friend, again I will address this and its content in due course too!
"I'm sorry for letting you all down, I do not deserve anything from anyone but just know I am sorry.
"Take care and see you in a few years. DT."
When he was being sentenced, the court heard how Goodenough had tracked his former girlfriend to find her at a hotel, proceeding to verbally abuse her and assault her date, and photograph her ‘in a state of undress’.
The court report said: "Goodenough dragged the victim out of the hotel room to his car, suggesting he had a knife and that her son was in the vehicle.
"However, when she realised that her son was not in the car she tried to escape. A bystander intervened and the victim was able to get out of the car, while Goodenough escaped."
After Goodenough was sentenced to three years in prison, AFTV issued a statement that said: "This morning we have been made aware of news regarding DT, who was a regular contributor on AFTV until July 2021.
“We are utterly appalled and disgusted by his actions and totally condemn domestic abuse, or violence of any kind.
“DT has made us aware of personal issues in his life, however we can unequivocally say that the extend of the information made public by the government today is new to us.
“DT appeared on AFTV on 1st Jan when the severity of his legal case was unbeknownst to us.
“The recent developments come as a complete shock to all at AFTV.
“In light of the shocking news, DT will be offered absolutely no place on the channel again."
Featured Image Credit: Thames Valley Police