The 22-year-old, formerly of Waterford Avenue, pleaded guilty to harassing a witness and was sentenced to two months' jail, to be served at the same time as his present term.

England appeared in the Geelong County Court in early August after appealing his conviction and sentence for charges of affray, recklessly causing serious injury and unlawful assault.

His original 21-month jail sentence was set aside, with judge Geoffrey Chettle ordering that he serve four months of a nine-month term.

The star footballer was handcuffed and wore a green prison tracksuit in the Portland Magistrates Court yesterday, exchanging smiles with his girlfriend during proceedings.

The court heard he spent the early hours of April 18 this year at the Richmond Henty Hotel's nightclub with friend Dylan Runting, 18, of Childers Street.

About 1am England encountered Marcus McWilliam, a fellow Portland resident who was due to give evidence at the first hearing of his assault matter on April 23.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Kevin Mullins said England discussed proceedings with Mr McWilliam and sought information on what he would tell the court.

The pair separated but reunited an hour later, each in the company of a friend.

England remained close while Runting threatened to injure Mr McWilliam and his companion, twice restraining the 18-year-old as threats of violence were made.

Mr McWilliam, who was called a squealer by England and hit in the face with his own hat by Runting, left with his friend through a side exit a short time later after expressing fears for his safety to a security guard.

Defence counsel Dermot Dann said his client had foregone a promising career as a primary school teacher as a result of his criminal history and would work for his father's building business after leaving jail on December 2.

"Whilst there is a small glimmer of hope that one day he could make an application (to teach) and start all over again, he is now resigned to the fact that the opportunity is lost to him," he said.

Magistrate Stephen Myall said it was vital that those giving evidence through the justice system could do so freely and without fear of retribution.

He said England's sentence took into account both his guilty plea- arrived at after earlier indications the matter would be contested- and the absence of a prior conviction for harassing a witness.

Runting was convicted and fined $750 in mid-July for his part in the matter.