A rugby player has been jailed for 15 months at Swansea Crown Court for stamping on an opponent's head. Rhys Garfield, 23, of Pontycymmer, was playing for his village team when he stamped on Gareth Howells, who was playing for the home side, Glynneath.Garfield caused a 4-inch wound which needed 30 stitches. The judge said it was "wholly unacceptable behavior" on a rugby field. Garfield had been found guilty by a jury of unlawful wounding last month.
Howells' injuries were characterized as "cosmetic" and had returned to playing the game shortly thereafter. However, the judge said only a custodial sentence was appropriate. The prosecutor, in explaining his decision to press charges, said "I know people can overstep the line in rugby and become aggressive, but this was beyond that. I did not want this person to get away with that."
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