Footballer Receives Suspended Sentence for On-Field Assault
A footballer who knocked out a rival player by elbowing him in the face has been sentenced to a five-and-a-half-month suspended jail term.
Thomas Taylor, from Llanddona, Anglesey, assaulted Daniel Brookwell during an Ardal North West league match between Porthmadog FC and Trearddur Bay on 17 January.
At Caernarfon Magistrates' Court on Monday, it was revealed that Brookwell was bleeding and suffered bruising to his face and mouth as a result of the attack.
A fan recorded the assault on video, which was shown to the magistrates and had been widely circulated on social media.
Taylor pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The 36-year-old, who was both a coach and player for Trearddur Bay, was released from his contract by the club after being banned from the game by the Football Association of Wales.
Details of the Incident and Court Proceedings
Diane Williams, prosecuting, stated that former Shrewsbury Town professional Taylor elbowed Brookwell in the face while the teams were preparing for a Porthmadog penalty kick.
The court heard that Brookwell was unaware of the assault until he was shown footage of the incident.
Magistrates were informed that the two men had known each other "for years."
The assault led Brookwell to reconsider his future in football, affecting his enjoyment and confidence on the pitch as well as his ability to sleep.
Defence and Sentencing
Glyn Roberts, defending, mentioned that Brookwell had threatened to break Taylor's legs during the match.
Since the incident, Taylor had received threatening messages, the court was told.
However, Taylor accepted that his actions were "inexcusable" and acknowledged that no amount of provocation could justify what occurred.
Roberts highlighted that Taylor's early guilty plea demonstrated his desire to apologise.
Taylor's sentence was suspended for 12 months.
He was fined £439, which includes £200 in compensation to Brookwell.
