A FOOTBALLER who left an opponent with a smashed jaw after repeatedly punching him in the face has been spared a jail term because he has a promising Army career.

Tye Renforth, 21, was about to be sent off for a reckless last minute challenge when he set about his opponent.

Colin Meeke, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court the incident took place in the match at Cricklade Leisure Centre on Sunday, April 5.

He said Renforth was playing for Cricklade Park Rangers in the game against Swindon Athletic in Division Six of the Swindon Sunday League.

Referee Mike Waldron said that in the 89th minute the defendant tackled Swindon player Tom Golding late, and with excessive force.

The experienced ref said the challenge was out of character with the game which ended up as a five all draw.

Mr Waldron was preparing to get the red card out as he approached the men when the assault took place.

Renforth grabbed the opponent with his left hand and punched him to the lower part of the face three times with a lot of force.

Mr Meeke told the court the ref said it was the worst piece of violence he had ever seen in 40 years of officiating.

As a result of the attack Mr Goulding needed to have three metal plates inserted into his face in an operation under a general anaesthetic.

Renforth, of Tadpole Garden Village, near Blunsdon, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding.

Mike Jeary, defending, told the court that his client had no previous convictions and had a promising career ahead of him in the forces.

Judge Peter Blair QC imposed a one-year community order with 240 hours of unpaid work and ordered he pay £750 compensation with a £60 victim surcharge.

  • Bradley Measor posted on Facebook: 'seen you do this when we were like 13' to which Renforth replied: 'Haha I know'

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