Man ordered to pay £4.8k to ankle snap victim

An attacker who snapped a man's ankle with an unprovoked punch in a working men's club after an England match has been ordered to pay the victim £4,800.

Jammie Kerry, 29, knocked the victim immediately unconscious, causing him to fall and break his lower leg at Netherton Social Club in Bedlington, Northumberland, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

The victim said the injury had "massively" affected his life with his ankle causing daily pain.

Kerry, who had a history of violent crimes, admitted causing grievous bodily harm without intent. He was jailed for eight months suspended for 18 months with a three-month curfew.

The victim and Kerry were part of a group of men from the same gym who had gone to the social club to watch England lose to France in the World Cup quarter-final on 10 December 2022, the court heard.

Afterwards members of the group were talking in a doorway when Kerry approached the victim from behind and punched him, the court heard.

Kerry, of Princess Louise Road in Blyth, fled from police but was arrested a short while later.

In a statement made nine months after the attack, the victim said his ankle was causing issues every day.

He said his work renovating houses had been hugely reduced and he could no longer enjoy pastimes like golf or running.

"It has had a massive effect on my life," the man said.

The court heard Kerry had previous convictions for affray and assault causing actual bodily harm from 2014 and a reprimand for battery in 2007.

In mitigation, the court heard Kerry was hoping to get work on offshore windfarms.

Judge Penelope Moreland said the victim was "totally unprepared" for the attack and he suffered a "grave injury".

As well as the suspended prison term, Kerry must stay at his home between 19:00 and 07:00 every night for the next three months.

He was also ordered to pay the victim £4,800 compensation at a rate of £200 per month.

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