By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 11:35, Thursday, 21 February 2013

A rugby player has been spared jail for punching a man in the face leaving a permanent scar.

Jamie Friel, 24, of Cockfield Drive, Workington, pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful wounding between May 19 and May 25 last year in Workington. He has played rugby league for Distington ARL.

Sentencing Friel at Carlisle Crown Court to a two-year suspended sentence, Judge Peter Hughes said:

“You are a powerful young man and I am sure a punch from you packs a lot of weight.”

Judge Hughes added: “He is a typical rugby player who ought to keep his aggression on the lawful field of play.”

If Friel offends again during the term of the two-year suspended sentence he is likely to face 12 months in custody at least.

Judge Hughes also said Friel had to take part in an alcohol treatment programme and do 150 hours of community service.

He was tagged for the next 20 weeks and will not be able to leave his home between the hours of 10pm and 6am.

In addition he will pay his victim £1,000 in compensation.

First published at 11:33, Thursday, 21 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk