AN Irish League footballer has been ordered to serve 240 hours community service for an on-pitch assault which left an opposing player with a broken jaw.
Peter Sargeant (23) from Jordanstown Road in Newtownabbey kicked his opponent in the head during a match between York Road and Old Boys 118 on March 31 2012.
Sargeant - who has since moved to Lisburn Distillery - appeared at Belfast Crown Court after admitting a charge of grievous bodily harm. After admitting he saw red and lashed out, Sargeant was told by Judge David McFarland that he will serve his community service at Monkstown Boxing Club, where he will work with young people.
The attack happened at Mallusk Playing Fields. The injured party, who plays for Old Boys, tackled the York Road midfielder Sargeant as he was running up the pitch.
During the tackle, both players fell to the ground, but as he was getting up the injured party felt a sharp blow to his head which rendered him unconscious.
The court was told that when the injured player regained consciousness, his face was covered in blood and he had blurred vision. He also began vomiting, which continued for 24 hours. The man, who was 21 at the time, was subsequently taken to the Mater Hospital where he remained for 24 hours. He also spent five days in the Ulster Hospital where he underwent surgery to his cheekbone, which had become dislodged, and had his jaw wired together.
* ASSAULT: Lisburn Distillery footballer Peter Sargeant leaves Belfast Crown Court yesterday PICTURE: Alan Lewis/Photopress