A COLCHESTER United youth team player smashed a nightclub door after leaving his keys inside.

Percy Kiangebemi had been partying at a club at the student union at Essex University when he left at 4am.

When door staff refused to allow the 22-year-old to go back in to retrieve his car keys he pushed a glass door in frustration and it broke.

He immediately offered to pay for any damage caused.

Police said Kiangebemi could have a conditional caution, providing he paid the money to fix the door to the university.

However, he failed to pay meaning he was forced to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

Kiangebemi, of Rosebery Avenue, North London, admitted criminal damage.

The midfielder joined the U’s last February from St Albans.

Since then he has been on loan at Hertford Town, Concord Rangers and Hendon and is yet to make a first team appearance.

Anna Dutka, mitigating, said the incident was likely to have cost him his chance to play for the club.

“This was rather unfortunate – he should have paid the money,” she said.

“He is a professional footballer for Colchester United.

“At the time he was under intense pressure as he was due to make an appearance for the first team over the next few days.

“As a result of this, Colchester suspended him and it is likely he will be made redundant.

“This young man has already lost a lot.

“His accommodation was being provided by the club and that was removed from him meaning he had to move back into his parent’s address.

“He was given a conditional caution but no payment arrangements were ever given.

“He realises the onus was on him to make sure it was paid.

“He apologies both for the offence and his failure to pay.”

“If he is unable to find himself another professional club then he will look to apply for an apprenticeship in electrical installation.”

Magistrates ordered him to pay £695 compensation to the university and £105 costs.