A footballer has been jailed for breaking an opponent's jaw in a brawl following a match in Bishop Auckland.
Ashley Murphy launched the unprovoked assault just after the full-time whistle of a clash between Bay Horse and Crook Town at Cockton Hill recreational ground in September.
The 29-year-old grabbed the victim by the throat and punched him in the jaw.
As a result, the victim was taken to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, with a broken jaw and was required to undergo surgery.
Murphy, from Bishop Auckland, appeared at Durham Crown Court earlier this month where he was found guilty of the assault.
He has now been sentenced to two years behind bars and ordered to pay a victim surcharge.
DS Sarah Hindmarsh, from Bishop Auckland Crime Team said: "This particular assault was unprovoked and completely unsportsmanlike, the final whistle blew and the victim went to shake hands with Murphy who, instead of putting the game behind him, struck the victim's jaw.
"I’m glad that the sentence handed down by the judge reflects the seriousness of the assault and the hard work my team put into this investigation."
