Disgraced soccer star Marlon King takes up art classes to control temper

Disgraced soccer star Marlon King, who is serving an 18-month sentence for molesting a 20 girl at London's Soho Revue Bar and breaking her nose when she tried to resist his advances, has taken up Art classes to help control his temper as he serves time behind bars.

Former Wigan striker King spends an hour each morning painting with watercolours.

"Marlon says it calms him down. He gets so pent up and aggressive - he just flips," News of the World quoted a prison source, as saying.

"Every morning after his exercises and breakfast, he goes down to the art room. He started off doing bits of fruit and last week he painted a model car.

"The other inmates find it hilarious but he says he likes the peace and tranquillity of it down there," The source added.

King was persuaded to take up the hobby by staff at HMP Wayland, Norfolk, where he is serving an 18-month sentence.