Edward Judge has been jailed after attacking a rival during a football match

by Julia Roberts

A football thug who broke a rival player's jaw in two places with a single punch has been jailed for nine months.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Edward Judge, of Moat House, Moat Road, Headcorn, had not met his victim - Phillip Seymour - before the match at East Sutton Park, in Sutton Valence, on November 12 last year.

The 25-year-old was playing for Headcorn Reserves FC while Mr Seymour was playing for Parkwood FC.

Violence erupted during what was described as a "very unpleasant and heated game" with late tackles and verbal confrontations.

The court heard Judge lashed out at Mr Seymour, who had to have a tooth removed and metal plates inserted into his jaw.

Judge admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Passing sentence, Judge Andrew Goymer said the blow had "catastrophic" consequences for Mr Seymour who "offered no threat at all".

Edward Judge was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court