An amateur footballer who was filmed flattening an opponent with an elbow to the face in footage that went viral online has received a suspended prison sentence.
The Incident
Thomas Taylor, 36, was playing for Trearddur Bay against Porthmadog when he lashed out, claiming he had been fouled and provoked just before the assault. Porthmadog player Daniel Brookwell described suddenly being knocked unconscious, hitting the floor, and coming round in shock to find his mouth and nose bloodied.
He said: 'I didn't realise I was on the floor until after a few seconds.'
Court Proceedings
Prosecutor Diane Williams told Caernarfon Magistrates' Court in North Wales that Taylor's version of events was dismissed. She stated: 'The defendant said he had been fouled by the victim previously and just before the incident that he had been provoked to the point he was threatened. That's not the case at all. It was a purposeful assault.'
Taylor, a former professional footballer for Shrewsbury Town who was in a coaching role at Trearddur and only played occasionally, had been booked for dissent during the game, Mrs Williams added. Taylor struck Mr Brookwell with his elbow as the players waited for a penalty to be taken.
He pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Brookwell occasioning actual bodily harm in the match at Porthmadog on January 17.
Impact on the Victim
Mrs Williams said the incident happened when Porthmadog were given a penalty because of a foul on Porthmadog forward Mr Brookwell, 33. The player had then waited shoulder-to-shoulder with Taylor for the penalty to be taken when he was suddenly assaulted.
The court heard Mr Brookwell came off the pitch feeling dizzy. He said: 'A young male showed me the footage of what had happened. I was quite shocked. I don't understand what caused this. Being knocked unconscious during a football match was deeply distressing.'
After the video of the attack went viral online, Mr Brookwell said: 'I found it very difficult to return to football in the same way. The incident has taken away the confidence and enjoyment I once had playing the game.'
Defence and Sentencing
Defence solicitor Glyn Roberts claimed that prior to the assault, the victim said words to the effect of 'I will break your f***ing legs, you m***.' However, Mr Roberts said Taylor accepted his conduct during the Ardal North West League game was 'inexcusable' and wished to apologise.
Taylor had diabetes and believed his blood-sugar level and provocation may have affected him, Mr Roberts added. He said: 'The consequences for him have been significant. He's been vilified on social media, threats have been made against him. He asks the court to consider the provocation in this case.'
Court chairman Gwilym Morgan told Taylor: 'This was a serious offence and we believe that it has crossed the custody threshold.'
Taylor, of Llanddona, Beaumaris, Anglesey, received a 24-week jail term suspended for a year and must also pay £200 compensation, a £154 surcharge, and £85 costs.
Club Response
In a statement posted immediately after the incident, Trearddur Bay FC said Taylor had been released 'with immediate effect'. The club said: 'Trearddur Bay Football Club does not condone violence in any form and acknowledges that the incident should not have occurred. The club offers its sincere apologies to the opposition player involved, CPD Porthmadog, match officials, supporters, and the wider football community.'
