WELSH RUGBY PLAYER JAILED FOR VIOLENT ACT

A Welsh rugby player was sentenced to six months in jail today for an incident of "gratuitous violence" which left an opponent with a double leg fracture.

Ian Stuart Powell, who plays for the Gwernyfed side in Powys, admitted causing grievous bodily harm when he kicked Canton RFC`s Ashley Barnett during a Welsh National League game in January.

Judge Peter Jacobs, presiding over the case at Cardiff Crown Court, told Powell he had decided to impose a severe sentence in light of increased concern about violent behaviour on the sporting field.

"At some point you became disgruntled with the behaviour of the opponent and you went over to him and followed him and then you kicked him with considerable force to the leg causing him to fall to the floor," the judge said.

"The force of the kick, either directly or indirectly, caused a double fracture to his leg. You gratuitously and forcefully kicked an opponent causing very serious injury."

Barnett, 33, needed surgery to fix the fractured bones in his right leg. He was told he would never be able to play rugby again.

Gwernyfed Rugby Club chairman Christopher Phillips said the incident was "totally out of character" for Powell, whom he described as a "well respected" member of the club and the local community.