Cefn Albion's Nicholas Williams had claimed the "forceful" challenge on Andrew Barlow was "just a freak accident"
A footballer who broke an opponent’s leg in a “revenge” attack has been found guilty of grievous bodily harm.
Nicholas Williams, a father of a three-year-old child, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced tomorrow morning after a jury took just 40 minutes to reach an unanimous verdict.
The 26-year-old Cefn Albion player denied “forcefully” kicking AFC Brynford ’s Andrew Barlow during a Welsh National Division One cup match last October.
Judge Huw Rees said: “Anybody who plays sport knows that sort of behaviour goes against the ethos of any sport.”
He added Williams had been convicted on evidence that was “overwhelming”.
Prosecutor Elen Owen said M&S worker Mr Barlow had not been able to return to work.
He had to have rods inserted in his leg and had suffered nightmares of seeing it “flap from side to side”.
Prosecutors claimed Williams, a fencer, wanted his revenge on Mr Barlow over an earlier tackle in the match.
His victim’s leg was so badly broken his toes “were touching his knee”.
Williams, of Bodlyn, Acrefair , Wrexham , told the hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court: “It was just a freak accident. I just gave it the extra bit more and his leg snapped. It was slightly late. I got up and heard him scream.”
Williams was asked by prosecutor Elen Owen if the six witnesses, including the match referee, who had given evidence were telling the truth.
He replied: “No.”
Miss Owen asked him: “They have all come to this court to lie?”
Williams replied: “Pretty much yes.”
The court earlier heard the incident followed a “50-50 challenge” with Mr Barlow that Williams had protested to the referee about.
Witnesses said Williams had then been “pushing” Brynford players, stamping on one of them before failing to stamp on Mr Barlow. Williams told the court: “For the first five minutes I admit I was was angry.
Miss Owen said: “You were behaving like a petulant child weren’t you?” He replied: “No.”
Miss Owen then said: “You wanted to hurt him didn’t you?” Williams replied: “No.”
see-http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/wrexham-footballer-who-broke-opponents-11770141
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