Footballer who elbowed rival in face spared jail

A footballer who knocked out a rival player by elbowing him in the face has been given a five-and-half-month suspended jail sentence.

Thomas Taylor, from Llanddona, Anglesey, attacked Daniel Brookwell during an Ardal North West league match between Porthmadog FC and Trearddur Bay on 17 January.

Caernarfon Magistrates' Court heard on Monday Brookwell was bleeding and suffered bruising to his face and mouth.

A fan caught the assault on video which was shown to magistrates, having been widely shared on social media.

Taylor pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The 36-year-old's club, Trearddur Bay, where he was a coach and player, previously released him from his contract, since he was banned from the game by the Football Association of Wales.

Diane Williams, prosecuting, said former Shrewsbury Town professional Taylor elbowed Brookwell in the face while the teams were preparing for a Porthmadog penalty kick.

Brookwell, the court heard, did not know what happened until he was shown footage of the attack.

Magistrates heard the two had known each other "for years".

The assault, the court was told, led Brookwell to consider his future in the game, it having affected his enjoyment and confidence on the pitch and his ability to sleep.

Glyn Roberts, defending, said Brookwell threatened to break Taylor's legs during the match.

Since the incident he said Taylor had received threatening messages.

But the court heard Taylor accepted his actions were "inexcusable" and that no amount of provocation could justify what happened.

Roberts said Taylor's early guilty plea showed he wanted to apologise.

His sentence was suspended for 12 months.

He was fined £439, which includes £200 compensation for Brookwell.