A Sunday League footballer has been jailed for one year after intentionally breaking an opponents leg before verbally abusing him as he was ‘lying in agony on the pitch’.
Nathaniel James Kerr (born 31/10/1987) of HMP Forest Bank pleaded guilty to Section 20 assault at Minshull Street Crown Court on Wednesday September 20.
The injury is said to have had a ‘catastrophic effect’ on the victims life, as the 30-year-old is self-employed and unable to support his young family.
On Sunday August 31, 2014, the victim got involved in a verbal argument with an opposing player in the early stages of a Sunday League football match on Jackson’s Lane, Hazel Grove.
It was then that the victim played the ball and, from some distance away, Kerr ran towards him, jumped into the air and in a ‘long jump’ motion brought both feet stamping down on the victim’s outstretched leg.
SUNDAY LEAGUE BRUTALITY: Leg-breaker Nathaniel James Kerr
After fracturing the 30-year-old’s leg in multiple places, Kerr proceeded to point at his teammate, shouting: ‘I’ve done this ‘cos of you!’
The victim was taken to hospital, where he remained for several weeks undergoing extensive reconstructive surgery.
Constable Louise Spencer said: “This injury has had a catastrophic effect on the victim’s life, meaning he has been unable to work or support his young family.
“He is self-employed and the injury meant he was forced to rely on the kindness of his teammates, who arranged fundraisers and charity events to provide the financial support he needed.
“All the while Kerr has shown absolutely no remorse for his vicious attack, calling the victim a ‘wimp’ and verbally abusing him as he was lying in agony on the pitch.
“The subsequent investigation and conviction into this assault demonstrates that this kind of aggression and thuggery during sporting fixtures will not be tolerated by Greater Manchester Police.”
Image courtesy of Guts Gaming, with thanks.
