A former professional footballer has been handed a suspended prison sentence after elbowing an opponent during a match in north Wales, with the attack captured on video and widely shared online.
Thomas Taylor, 36, from Llanddona, Anglesey, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm to Daniel Brookwell. The incident occurred on January 17 during a match between Porthmadog and Trearddur Bay FC at Porthmadog, Gwynedd.
Prosecutor Diane Williams told Caernarfon Magistrates' Court that Mr Brookwell was struck without warning. “I suddenly hit the floor. I didn’t realise I was on the floor until after a few seconds,” he said in a statement. Blood came from his mouth and nose, and he was left dizzy and shocked. The video of the assault went viral on X, with many users calling it “disgusting”.
Taylor, who previously played for Shrewsbury Town, claimed he had been fouled and provoked. His solicitor, Glyn Roberts, said the victim had allegedly threatened to break his legs. However, the prosecution argued it was a purposeful assault, noting Taylor had already been booked for dissent.
Court chairman Gwilym Morgan told Taylor the offence crossed the custody threshold. He was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £200 compensation, a £154 surcharge, and £85 costs. Trearddur Bay FC said it had suspended and later released Taylor, adding that it does not condone violence.
