A STREAKER who became a national celebrity when he stripped off at Turf Moor says he has changed his former violent lifestyle after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition.

Sabaen Myers, 21, was speaking after he walked free from court after admitting assaulting a man in Barnoldswick last January.

Myers says he is now suffering from a potentially fatal condition which is extremely rare in those under 25.

He was famously tackled to the ground by Burnley FC's Bertie Bee when he dashed on to the pitch during a match against Preston North End in early 2002.

He was featured in the national press and on countless television programmes after he ran down to the rival supporters' stand and bent down to reveal the 2-0 score daubed on his bare buttocks.

Nearly two years on, the one-time binge drinker with a string of convictions for violence has had a wake-up call which has totally changed his life.

Myers, who is facing keyhole surgery by a top professor of cardiology early next year, can no longer take alcohol, play football, go to the gym or do physical work.

A former construction site worker and fitness fanatic, he has also had to give up his job of setting up stages for festivals and concerts.

Myers, whose family home is in Kirkstall Drive, Barnoldswick, told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph he was diagnosed with Wolfe Parkinson White syndrome - the condition from which rocker Meatloaf recently collapsed - in August. He awoke in the early hours to find his heart beating very fast and was admitted to hospital.

Medics told him they had seen patients over 40 with the syndrome - but never anybody under 25.

Myers is due to go into Manchester Royal Infirmary for major heart surgery early in the New Year and has been told there is a one in 50 chance he could suffer a stroke under the anaesthetic. He said: "I just want to get on with my life. I used to get in trouble when I was younger but now I am motivated and want to learn things. I have put my wild life behind me. This has been a wake up call. I can't do anything I want to do. Life is not long enough and I want to make something of myself."

Myers was speaking after admitting to Burnley magistrates assault causing actual bodily harm. Recorder David Aubrey, QC, told Myers if he had appeared before him six or nine months ago he would have been going to custody. Myers was given a 12 months community rehabilitation order, to include the Enhanced Thinking Skills programme and told to pay £250 compensation.

Louise Whaites, prosecuting at Burnley Crown Court, said Myers had gone back to a house in Barnoldswick after meeting a group of people in the Barnoldswick pub, last January. He was forcibly ejected and struggled with victim Duncan Parkinson.

The defendant returned shortly afterwards and when Mr Parkinson ran into the street, Myers got him in a headlock and struck him with his elbow in the face.

The victim managed to escape, made his way into the hallway and was found unconscious. Miss Whaites said Mr Parkinson suffered bruises, abrasions and a bite to his finger.

Alex Leach, defending, said Myers' behaviour had been stupid and fuelled by drink.

At the time it had come to typify the criminal conduct displayed by the defendant.