Personal Injury Solicitors

A footballer may be jailed after he headbutted an opponent so hard the victim was unconscious for six minutes.

The Mirror reports that amateur centre back Shaun Dallimore, 24 – who plays for Tadley Calleva – left his opponent Steve Green with a fractured cheekbone. The assault occurred during a free kick in a match between Hythe and Dibden in Wessex Division 1. However, because the referee did not see the incident, Dallimore continued playing.

Dallimore’s team was behind in the match and the free kick was being taken just before half-time.

Southampton Crown Court heard from Mr Green that the assault took place during the free kick. However, before the ball came over, Dallimore stood on his foot twice and threatened to “smash” him.

As the free kick was taken, Green ran into the penalty area, but Dallimore grabbed hold of his shirt at shoulder level and headbutted him in the face.

Dallimore told the court that if he had stepped on Green’s foot it had been accidental – and alleged the midfielder had pinched him.

Two defence witnesses told the court that no deliberate headbutt had taken place, but Judge Rowland said that they could not possibly have seen what took place.

After deliberating for half-an-hour, jurors convicted Dallimore of causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Green, who works with children who have behavioural problems. As a result of his injury, he had to take time off work and was put on light duties only.

Mr Green was still suffering from the effects of his injuries 11 months after the assault, he said in a victim impact statement – and for three months had reduced vision in one eye.

Dallimore shook his head when he was pronounced guilty – but the court was told he had been handed a reprimand for battery seven years before the football assault on Mr Green.

Dallimore was warned by Judge Rowland that all sentencing options would be considered – and immediate imprisonment was a possibility.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – Sports Injury Claims

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise those injured as a result of sports activities which go wrong on how to make no win no fee claims for compensation, including sports injuries involving:

• Amputation
• Back injury
• Brain injury
• Concussion
• Crush injury
• Dental injury
• Facial injury
• Fatal injury
• Fractures
• Lacerations
• Spinal injury
• Sprains
• Whiplash injury.

Personal injury claimants have three years from the date of injury in which to claim – and children can claim for sports injuries for up to three years after the age of 21.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Sports Injury Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors 0n 020 7923 4020.