HARTS GONE

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Oct 23, 2005 | by GILL SMITH

THE wife of Celtic striker John Hartson has quit Scotland to start a new life in Wales, the Sunday Mirror can reveal.

Lowri Hartson packed up her belongings last week and moved out of the luxury home she shared with the Welsh international.

Stunning Lowri was staggered to discover that Hartson had entertained his mistress in their house and told friends she found it impossible to stay there.

The 29-year-old, who is suing Hartson for divorce over his brazen affair with schoolteacher Sarah McManus, has moved back to Cardiff to be closer to her family.

Lowri looked distraught as she helped removal men pack up her home into two lorries last Wednesday. She flew to Cardiff with mum Ann the following day.

Last night Lowri's Cardiff-based solicitor, divorce expert Wendy Hopkins, told the Sunday Mirror: "Mrs Hartson has been utterly devastated by her husband's behaviour. Reluctantly and with great regret, she feels that because of that behaviour she can no longer remain in Scotland. She and the children have moved to Cardiff to be near Lowri's family and to make a fresh start without her husband.

"Lowri feels that John Hartson's behaviour has made it, sadly, untenable for her to stay in Scotland."

Lowri is hoping to win a pounds 4million settlement from Hartson over his affair with the 34-year-old McManus.

The Sunday Mirror revealed last month how the couple had enjoyed boozy nights out in Glasgow, sharing intimate clinches and openly kissing and cuddling.

Following the revelations Lowri booted Hartson out of their home in Renfrewshire and packed his designer gear into bin bags before having them dumped at the front door of Celtic Park.

Ms Hopkins added: "Lowri and the children were extremely happy living in Renfrewshire. But it is now apparent that many of the places that were part of her normal routine - including shops, restaurants and her leisure club - are places to which John Hartson took Sarah McManus.

"Lowri is also aware that Sarah McManus visited the matrimonial home when Lowri was elsewhere.

"She finds that extremely upsetting and feels she can no longer live there."

Lowri and Hartson, who had been together for 12 years, have two children, Rebeca, six, and Joni, two. It's thought Lowri plans to send Rebeca to a Welsh-speaking school close to her new home.

Lowri followed Hartson around Britain in a career which saw him play for West Ham, Arsenal, Coventry and Celtic.

The striker, who earns pounds 30,000 a week, is staying in a rented home owned by a pal in Lanarkshire.

g.smith@sundaymirror.co.uk