Middleton amateur footballer punched opponent in the face

An amateur footballer lashed out and punched an opposition player in the face so he could get a better position for a corner kick.

Father-of-three Philip Cartmill, 30, of Searness Road, Middleton, was playing six-a-side football for “SS Maraca” at Kaskenmoor School, Oldham, on 27 April last year. The match against Newhey FC boiled over when there was a tussle between Cartmill and opposition player James Manton-Howard. After the pair wrestled for position, Cartmill failed to keep his cool and lashed out at college student Mr Manton-Howard.

Cartmill, who had played for the team for a year, has now been banned from the Soccerzone League. Cartmill was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester.

He was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and will be subject to a supervision order for nine months. Cartmill will have to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £200 to the victim and £100 prosecution costs.

Nicola Wells, prosecuting, said: “While a corner kick was waiting to be taken, the defendant was approached by the complainant who was abusive.

“The complainant turned away and the defendant struck him. He spent three days in hospital and had a metal plate placed in his jaw.”

Cartmill has 17 previous convictions including an offence of assault occasioning ABH in 1998 when he spent 12 months in detention.

Paul Hodginson, defending, said: “He has a bad record but his last offence of violence is some 17 years ago.”

Judge Jonathan Foster QC told Cartmill: “Every football match has its rough and tumble but there is no justification for punching someone in the face.”