Footballer jailed for attacking referee during Feltwell match

A local league footballer, who knocked a referee unconscious with a single punch during a match in West Norfolk, has been jailed for 20 months.

Football officials say they hope the sentence handed down to Aaron Paul Wick yesterday will serve as a warning to other players.

But the length of the term means Wick could be eligible for release as early as next April.

Wick, 36, of Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-Sea, was sentenced when he appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday.

He had previously pleaded guilty to a single charge of wounding or causing grievous bodily harm without intent during a hearing before Lynn magistrates in March.

They referred the case to the crown court after deeming their sentencing powers insufficient to deal with Wick.

The case relates to an incident during a Central & South Norfolk League fixture between Feltwell United and Horsford United Reserves, which happened on September 22 last year.

Wick, who was playing in goal for Horsford, attacked referee Karl Smith, knocking him unconscious and causing serious facial injuries.

Magistrates had previously heard Mr Smith's injuries were so severe that a metal plate had to be inserted into his face and will remain in place for the rest of his life.

In a statement issued after yesterday's hearing, the Norfolk County FA praised Mr Smith for continuing his refereeing career despite the attack.

Mr Smith has been promoted ahead of the new season and was named the county's Match Official of the Year at the FA and McDonald's Grassroots Football Awards.

The statement added: "Fortunately, incidents of this nature are extremely rare, but we hope that this shocking offence will act as a serious reminder to all those involved in grassroots football of the importance of ensuring that their conduct towards match officials is respectful at all times.

"We hope that Karl can now try to put the incident behind him and move on with his life."

The county FA had banned Wick from all footballing activity for life ahead of the legal process.