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Footballer admits breaking boy’s jaw

Maidstone crown court
Maidstone crown court

A youth football match ended in violence when spectators ran on to the pitch and started brawling, a court heard.

During the incident at Kings Frith playing field in Wigmore, 15-year-old player Sheldon Legg suffered a fractured jaw.

Jack Sutcliffe, of Solomon Road, Rainham, could now face custody after admitting inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Adam Pedersen, of Kenilworth Drive, Rainham, admitted affray. Both were bailed to return to court for sentencing in the week beginning November 7.

The trouble started during the under-18s game between Chatham Colts and Wigmore Youth on November 21 last year after a player from each side was sent off.

Wigmore player Sutcliffe, 18, was watching the match with 19-year-old Pedersen.

Spectators invaded the pitch when one player headbutted another. Sutcliffe then punched the victim on the jaw.

He ran off but was caught by off-duty police officer James Sokolov and taken to referee Christopher Russell.

Sheldon Legg went to the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead for specialist treatment.

Tom Allen, for Sutcliffe, told Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday he would submit that a custodial sentence was not required.

"He had no record of violence," he said. "He is in employment."

Judge Philip St John-Stevens said: "I think this is a serious matter and custody is not out of the question for either of the defendants."

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