Tivyside | Archive | 2005 | September | 20
From the archive, first published Tuesday 20th Sep 2005.
A Cardigan teenager who gave a severe beating to an opponent during a soccer kick-about has been given a community punishment.
Two youngsters passing a football to each other were challenged to a game by Owen William Hembury and a friend, but instead of a friendly game it turned distinctly nasty.
Crown prosecutor Maggie Hughes told magistrates that Hembury hacked at the bare feet of Stephen Evans, and when the two clashed angrily Barry Lloyd moved in and separated them.
Hembury then punched Barry Lloyd got on top of him on the ground and rained blows to his face, continuing the assault after the other man lost consciousness.
Mr Lloyd was taken to hospital suffering from facial and other injuries and referred to surgeons. Hembury, aged 18, of Brynheulog, Quay Street, Cardigan, who was represented by Mike Rattenbury, pleaded guilty to assaulting Barry Lloyd at the recreation ground in Comins Coch on the afternoon of June 26, causing him actual bodily harm.
Telling the bench that there was no love lost between the parties Mr Rattenbury said the defendant acknowledged that he over reacted.
He said that Hembury had played rugby for Cardigan and Pembrokeshire and also played soccer locally, but injury had prevented him from developing as a player.
"The injury was in the forefront of his mind when he was tackled," he said and added that Hembury was "thoroughly embarrassed" by his actions.
Passing sentence presiding magistrate Gerry Evans said: "As an ex-rugby player you should know what a fist can do, and you should have shown more responsibility."
He was given a 12-months Community Rehabilitation Order, ordered to pay £150 compensation to his victim and £55 court costs.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008