Rugby Player Jailed for Grievous Bodily Harm

A 25 year old rugby player has been jailed after he kicked an opponent so hard that he was left disfigured.

Incident

Members of Derby based Leesbrook Rugby Club were scheduled to play against Nottingham side Paviors on 3rd October 2015.

However when 35 year old David Smith scored a try for Paviors, John Scowby – captain of the Leesbrook side – proceeded to kick Smith in the head with such force his face caved in.

Derby Crown Court heard how Scowby stood over his victim and said “Take that” before delivering the blow, afterwards telling Smith “I owed you”.

Disfigured

Mr Smith has been left disfigured by the attack and has already had major surgery. He now faces a further £10,000 in dental bills. In a victim impact statement, Smith said:

“Everyone now associates me with my disfigured face and not the good player that I was.”

Sonal Ahya, prosecuting, said:

“Without warning or provocation, the defendant kicked Mr Smith in the mouth, saying, “Take that”. One of his front teeth dropped out, there was blood everywhere, his gums and teeth were concaved.”

Sentencing

When questioned by police, Scowby described the incident as an “accident” but later admitted grievous bodily harm.
Alwyn Jones, defending, added:

“It was a moment of madness – out of character.”

Scowby, a 25 year old construction worker, was jailed for a total of 16 months.

Criminal Injuries – Expert Advice

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Source: Daily Mail