A football fan who inflicted a devastating blow on another supporter during a pitch invasion has been jailed. Trouble flared after a heated clash between Stoke Gifford United reserves and Hartcliffe FC at the Mangotsfield ground on the evening of April 28.
Bristol Crown Court heard that after an "aggressive" cup game, which Stoke Gifford won 2-0, the referee blew the final whistle early. When opposing fans rushed the pitch Dean Chapman inflicted a single powerful punch on Joseph Murton.
The court heard Mr Murton was knocked out and lay unconscious on the ground. Onlookers who noticed he had swallowed his tongue stepped in and gave him life-saving first aid.
READ MORE: Prison for Hartcliffe man who pummelled partner
Chapman, 29, a married father-of-two of Bishport Avenue, Bristol, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm. Judge Mark Horton jailed him for 14 months. He told Chapman: "You ran straight up to him and struck him a blow which he didn't know was coming.
"That blow struck him with such force it knocked him to the floor, completely unconscious. He swallowed his tongue and it required the assistance of those with him, who probably saved his life."
The judge issued Chapman with a six-year Football Banning Order, prohibiting from attending any regulated football matches. He was ordered to give his passport details to police and pay a £156 victim surcharge.
Susan Cavender, prosecuting, said Chapman was a Hartcliffe FC fan and Mr Murton supported Stoke Gifford United. She said when the game finished Mr Murton ran onto the pitch - then lost consciousness and woke up in ambulance.
Ms Cavender told the court: "The defendant struck Mr Morton extremely hard with a clenched fist, knocking him out. People gathered around and put him in the recovery position.
"Mr Chapman was aggressive to others. He approached the other team with fists clenched and then ran to his car."
The court heard Mr Murton was taken to Southmead Hospital. Witnesses gave police Chapman's car registration number and a description of clothes he was wearing.
Later Chapman called 999 and reported that he had assaulted someone. Police met him outside his home at midnight and he produced the clothes he had been wearing.
When interviewed he said he had consumed a couple of cans of Natch (strong cider). He conceded it had been stupid to go on the pitch and he admitted he was the aggressor and he was at fault.
Mr Murton gave impact statements in which he said he sustained a broken jaw and lost teeth, spent three days in hospital and had surgery to fit a titanium plate in his head. He said he had suffered extreme pain and discomfort and was left having to eat liquidized food and taking strong painkillers.
Ranjit Bains, defending, said Chapman was a family man who had his own business. Mr Bains said: "It is quite clear he has shown a lot of remorse.
"He made full and frank admissions and entered a timely guilty plea. He regrets that particular day and there will be realistic prospect of rehabilitation."
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