A HAKIN United footballer has narrowly avoided a prison sentence after pleading guilty to assaulting a rival player during a Senior Cup match last year.

Gareth Fawcett, 25, of Priory Ville, Milford Haven admitted causing grievous bodily harm to Merlins Bridge striker Scott Crawford during a bad tempered cup clash at Hakin on Saturday October 11.

Mr Crawford suffered multiple cheekbone fractures in the attack and had to have surgery at Morriston Hospital, Swansea.

Referee Kevin Bowen called a halt to the Senior Cup match after just 23 minutes and told the Western Telegraph he feared for players’ safety.

Haverfordwest magistrates court today (Tuesday) heard the prosecution was seeking the case be heard at Swansea Crown Court.

However, Fawcett’s solicitor Mark Layton said his client would enter a guilty plea on the day if the matter was dealt with at magistrates court on a proposed six month suspended prison sentence.

Mr Layton said Fawcett, of no previous convictions, had become involved in a confrontation with Mr Crawford following what was described as “a bad tackle”.

“There was a bit of a scene involving other players, the referee had to ask the captains to calm their players down.

“During a second incident a couple of minutes later words were exchanged, the accounts vary from witness statement to witness statement.

“Mr Fawcett has punched Mr Crawford to the face, the facts of the punch resulted in a broken cheek bone.”

Following a fast-track report by Julie Norman of the probation service, Fawcett was sentenced to six months custody, suspended for 24 months.

He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work, with costs of £85, a surcharge of £80 and compensation to Mr Crawford of £2,000.

The court accepted an offer of payment at £100 a month.