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A footballer who broke an opponent’s leg in an act of “brutish thuggery” has been jailed for 12 months.

Nicholas Williams, 26, was unanimously found guilty of grievous bodily harm by a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court after a two-day trial.

The 26-year-old Cefn Albion centre forward from Wrexham had denied kicking AFC Brynford’s Andrew Barlow during a Welsh National Division One cup match last October but had admitted it was a “horrible” incident.

Sentencing Williams to 12 months custody – of which he’ll serve half in jail – the other half on licence, Mr Recorder Huw Rees said: “I take a serious view of this case.

“Because of your petulant and therefore violent act, that game was suspended.”

The judge went on to say that unlawful violence on the pitch devalued the spirit of the game and that spectators “do not need to be subjected to brutish thuggery”.

Williams, of Bodlyn, Acrefair, carried out the shocking tackle as an “unlawful and maliciously inflicted” attack after the two players went for a 50-50 ball earlier in the game which Mr Barlow won, the court heard.

The judge said Williams should have “abided” with the referee’s decision not to award a foul against Mr Barlow.

Instead Williams had remonstrated with the referee and went on to carry out an “astonishing and deliberate flying tackle”, the likes of which the referee had never seen before.

The judge said: “You harboured a grudge against Mr Barlow for the rest of that first half.”

Williams had claimed that the leg break was “a freak accident”.

He previously told the court: “I just gave it the extra bit more and his leg snapped. It was slightly late. I got up and heard him scream.”

(Image: Arwyn Roberts)

But the judge said that the jury had agreed with the witnesses brought forward by the prosecution and had “seen through” Williams’ false account and his witnesses.

The trial had heard from a number of witnesses including the referee that Mr Barlow had his leg broken in two places. He had suffered “excruciating” pain and still needed treatment, the judge said.

Brynford coach Patrick Rush said: “It was a nasty challenge and it was late.”

Experienced FAW match referee Mark Stokes said: “It was forceful. That challenge was probably the worst one I have seen in my time as a referee. It wasn’t a challenge; it was a kick. There was no attempt to kick the ball.”

Brynford midfielder Nicholas Voyle said: “I just heard the sound of Andrew’s leg snapping. I’d say he’s gone to hurt Andrew. The ball had gone. It was just disgusting.”

Witnesses said Williams had also been “pushing” Brynford players, stamping on one of them before failing to stamp on Mr Barlow. He had also kicked a ball into Mr Barlow’s back.

Henry Hills, for Williams, said he was the father of a three-year-old girl with a partner and was a hard worker employed as a fencer by his partner’s father. He said Williams needed to address his “impulsivity” and needed anger management.

Asking for leniency, Mr Hills said Williams had not played “any football” since the incident.