Two years for rugby player who hit reveller

Andrew Kendrew was out with friends, one of whom was celebrating a 21st birthday, when he went outside for a cigarette, Robert Galley prosecuting told Leeds Crown Court yesterday.

While exchanging banter with one of his group, two other men joined them including Sean Simpson.

Mr Kendrew made a remark to one of them and was suddenly punched in the face by Simpson, flooring him.

Mr Galley said witnesses described him as probably unconscious from the blow before he hit the ground.

He remembered nothing of the assault and was rushed to Pinderfields Hospital bleeding from the back of his head and ears and the fractures were discovered. He “woke up five days later”.

As a result of his injuries he is still suffering a loss of hearing in his right ear.

Simpson, 24 of Spawd Bone Lane, Knottingley, was jailed for two years having admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Sentencing him, Judge Paul Hoffman said he had read references indicating he was a hard worker and a good rugby player but he was also a “big strong man” whose punch had “quite shocking consequences”.

“This is just one more instance of drunken violence that courts have to deal with. In your drunkenness you thought you were at risk from him, but now sober admit you were not.”

John Nixon, for Simpson, said the offence was out of character for someone who not only played rugby but coached others.

“He perceived something which he accepts was not there in the form of a threat and quite possibly the drink he had taken did warp his thinking. He is genuinely remorseful.”