Former All White admits sexually assaulting young woman in London

The basis of the plea was not given in court and no further details about the sexual assault were made public. Photo / NZPA

A former New Zealand footballer has admitted sexually assaulting a young woman as she slept in her bed in England.

Ex-Manchester City and Glasgow Celtic player Chris Killen, 35, was in a "stupefied state" from alcohol when he went into the spare bedroom of the house where the woman was staying in Bury, Greater Manchester, and touched her sexually.

Killen, who played 48 times for the All Whites, had pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing but admitted the offence shortly before he was due to go on trial before a jury at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, on Wednesday.

He stood in the dock and pleaded guilty to a single charge of sexual assault on September 17 last year. His lawyer Lisa Judge said the guilty plea had been made on a "specific basis" as to what Killen had admitted doing, and this had been accepted by the prosecution.

The basis of the plea was not given in court and no further details about the sexual assault were made public. Judge said Killen, who now lives near Macclesfield, had "no relevant" previous convictions.

Gary Woodall, prosecuting, said Killen's basis of plea was "inconsistent" with the complainant's statement to police.

But after "lengthy discussion" Woodall said the complainant had "taken the lead" and there would now not be a trial given Killen's admission of guilt.

Judge Maurice Greene gave Killen bail but added: "At the end of the day this was a sexual assault on a sleeping young woman. It's a serious matter.

"All sentencing options will remain open to the court."

Wellington-born Killen represented his country in the 2010 World Cup after playing for Middlesbrough and Celtic and starting his career with Man City as a trainee.

His playing career also included stints at Hibernian, Norwich, Oldham Athletic, Port Vale and Wrexham.

He will be sentenced on August 1.