Amateur footballer punched player he thought was time-wasting

The victim suffered a broken jaw

An amateur footballer punched an opposition player because he thought he was time-wasting.

A brawl broke out during a match between Quarrydale United and Rainworth Seniors at Bentick Miners Welfare, in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, on February 9 last year.

The victim was accused of wasting the final five minutes of the game when his side, Rainworth Seniors, had a considerable lead.

The altercation escalated, involving several players, which is when Leon Lakin, of Frederick Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, ran from the other side of the pitch and swung a single, but forceful, punch to the victim, knocking him to the ground.

He was left with a broken jaw which required surgery and two metal plates to be fitted.

Lakin, 29, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (September 11).

Detective Sergeant Dave Prest said: "This was a nasty assault which has left a young man with a life-altering injury and goes to show how easily people can get caught up in pack mentality.

"Lakin's adrenaline was running and he let his emotions get the better of him during this match, with devastating consequences.

"Not only has he caused the victim a life-long injury, he now has a criminal record and will have to live with the consequences.

"This case shows that assaults of all kind will be taken seriously by Nottinghamshire Police and there's no excuse for this violence."