A MAN has been handed a suspended sentence after leaving a fellow player with serious injuries at a sporting event in Hereford.

Luke John Wilkins entered a guilty plea when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford on June 10.

The court heard the 33-year-old had unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm on another person at the sporting event on August 13.

Magistrates said the offence was serious as Wilkins had punched the victim, leaving him with serious injuries requiring ongoing treatment.

Wilkins, of Queensway, Hereford, was handed a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 15 months and 180 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay compensation of £1,000, costs of £300, and a £128 victim surcharge.