Footballer Tom Taylor narrowly avoids prison after on-field assault

A footballer who knocked an opponent unconscious with an elbow assault during a game narrowly avoided being sent to prison today.

Thomas Taylor, 36, of Llanddona, Beaumaris, Anglesey, pleaded guilty to assaulting Daniel Brookwell, causing actual bodily harm during a match that took place on January 17 at Porthmadog.

Appearing before Caernarfon magistrates, Taylor received a 24 weeks jail term which was suspended for a year. He must pay £200 compensation, a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.

The assault occurred as the players stood waiting for a penalty to be taken and was captured by a spectator in footage that went viral. It happened during a game between Mr Brookwell’s team Porthmadog and Trearddur Bay, who Taylor was playing for.

Porthmadog had been given a penalty because of a foul on Mr Brookwell. He had then waited shoulder-to-shoulder with Taylor for the penalty to be taken. 

The bench was told Mr Brookwell was then knocked to the ground by Taylor’s swinging elbow and lost consciousness.

Taylor’s long football career has included spells with a number of North Wales clubs, and he is a former professional at Shrewsbury Town.

The court heard he wished to apologise for the assault, but claimed he had been provoked beforehand.

Trearddur Bay FC released Taylor the day after the assault.

The club had posted after the violence: “Following an internal review, the decision was taken to release the suspended player involved with immediate effect.

“Trearddur Bay Football Club does not condone violence in any form and acknowledges that the incident should not have occurred.

“The club offers its sincere apologies to the opposition player involved, CPD Porthmadog, match officials, supporters, and the wider football community.”