| Paul Conlon | |
| Fullname: | Paul Robert Conlon |
| Birth Date: | 1978 1, df=y |
| Birth Place: | Sunderland, England |
| Position: | Forward |
| Years1: | 1995–1996 |
| Clubs1: | Hartlepool United |
| Caps1: | 15 |
| Goals1: | 4 |
| Years2: | 1996–1997 |
| Clubs2: | Sunderland |
| Caps2: | 0 |
| Goals2: | 0 |
| Years3: | 1996 |
| Clubs3: | → Gateshead (loan) |
| Caps3: | ? |
| Goals3: | ? |
| Years4: | 1997–1998 |
| Clubs4: | Doncaster Rovers |
| Caps4: | 14 |
| Goals4: | 1 |
| Years5: | 1998–2010 |
| Clubs5: | Gateshead |
| Caps5: | ? |
| Goals5: | ? |
Paul Robert Conlon (born 5 January 1978) is an English former footballer who played for Hartlepool United, Sunderland, Gateshead and Doncaster Rovers. He is currently serving 11 years and 10 months in prison for manslaughter.[1]
Conlon started his playing career for Hartlepool United. Conlon made his first appearance for Pools as a substitute in a 0–0 draw away to Torquay United in February 1996.[2] Two weeks later, Conlon started his first game for the club and scored after just 93 seconds in a 4–1 win against Leyton Orient.[3] His subsequent form led to Conlon being watched by numerous scouts.[3]
In 1996, Conlon controversially signed for Sunderland for free due to a mix-up in his Hartlepool contract[4] which led Pools boss Keith Houchen to accuse Sunderland of "doing the dirty" on them.[5] Conlon was released a year later failing to make an appearance for the Black Cats.
Following his departure from Sunderland, Conlon played for Doncaster Rovers and Gateshead.
In 2004, Conlon was fined £250 and received a lifetime ban from the Durham FA after attacking a referee in a Sunday League game.[5]
Conlon received an 18-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to assaulting his wife in September 2013.[6]
On 15 July 2021, Conlon was jailed for 11 years and 10 months for killing his father Harry Conlon on Christmas Eve, 2020.[1]