Matson rugby player 'could have killed' opponent with punch

Ryan Charles' actions were not premeditated, his defence team said

A rugby player who broke an opponent's jaw with a "forceful punch" was told he "could have killed somebody".

Ryan Charles, 29, pleaded guilty to unlawfully and maliciously wounding opponent Liam Aherne.

Charles fractured both sides of Aherne's jaw at a rugby match in Gloucester on 23 October, 2021.

The sentencing judge at Gloucester told him to behave more like Welsh rugby legends JPR Williams and Barry John.

Charles, who has lost his job and his home since the incident, was sentenced to a 12-month community order, with 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £500 in compensation to his victim.

Charles was playing for Matson Seconds when he punched Gloucester Old Boys player Aherne.

'Be more like JPR'

The Recorder of Gloucester, Judge Ian Lawrie KC, told Charles: "You clearly delivered a forceful punch to your victim. In the context of a game of rugby, this is inexcusable.

"I accept you acted on impulse as part of the emotions of the game.

"But when you leave the dock today, keep two men firmly in your mind on how the game should be played.

"Unfortunately, both JPR and Barry John died earlier this year, having both played in the amateur era of the sport.

"They were both shining examples of how the beautiful game should be played."

The judge told Charles to be more like Welsh rugby legend JPR Williams (centre)

Prosecutor Giles Nelson told the court that the assault happened after the referee had disallowed a try.

"Two Matson team members then stood over a Gloucester Old Boys player and Mr Aherne ran towards them and pushed them away," said Mr Nelson.

"Charles reacted by landing a forceful blow to Mr Aherne's face, knocking him to the ground. Charles then marched off the field of play.

"Mr Aherne suffered fractures to both sides of his jaw and had to undergo emergency surgery."

Mandla Ndlovu, mitigating, said: "The whole incident lasts for just 1.6 seconds. After the incident Charles contacted the victim and his club to offer his apologies for his actions. He is extremely remorseful.

"Since this incident, Charles has lost his job and his home, having broken up with his long-term partner, and he has accumulated a large debt."

Judge Lawrie told Charles: "This offence crosses the custody threshold. You could have killed somebody.

"I've been involved in cases where a single punch has been fatal."