Attack on ex-rugby star condemned (From Tivyside Advertiser)

Attack on ex-rugby star condemned

10:45am Monday 1st December 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

The behaviour of two young men who carried out a "horrific" and unprovoked attack on a 53-year-old former rugby star in Cardigan town centre was to be condemned, a court was told.

Former Llanelli and Cardigan first fifteen winger Gerwyn Richards told police he’d suffered several injuries over the years but "nothing as bad as this".

Three weeks ago the two 23-year-old local men, who kicked Mr. Richards as he lay unconscious on the pavement, were warned that they would in all probability face custodial sentences.

But after their solicitor made an impassioned plea on their behalf Colin Edward Norton and Dewi William Gerwyn Evans escaped with suspended prison sentences.

Norton, unemployed, of 5 Melin y Dre, Cardigan and carpenter Evans of 19 Ridgeway, Cardigan, represented by Gavin McPherson, pleaded guilty to assaulting Gerwyn Goronwy Richards and causing criminal damage to their victim’s reading glasses and mobile ‘phone, the offences committed in February this year.

Prosecutor David Wheale said trouble started at the Ship Inn when Mr. Richards was hit over the head with a pool cue, and outside the premises the two defendants set about him, punching him repeatedly and kicking him as he lay unconscious.

Mr. Wheale said: "The behaviour of these two men is only to be condemned and it is more by luck than judgement that they are not facing far more serious charges."

Mr. McPherson said: "They are both thoroughly ashamed of their actions."

Both defendants were sentenced to four months imprisonment suspended for two years.

Norton was made the subject of a supervision requirement while Evans was ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work in the community.

They were each ordered to pay £200 compensation to Mr. Richards, £210 for damage to his glasses and telephone, £50 for the bruising, £100 for the cuts and £75 court costs.

Presiding magistrate Iorwerth Thomas said he and his colleagues wished to commend the barman at the Ship Inn who assisted Mr. Richards.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)