A GOALKEEPER accused of kicking the head of an opponent who had been defenceless on the ground, has been convicted of common assault.

Sion Williams, 33, a factory worker, of Clement Drive, Rhyl, who had been stand-in captain for Prestatyn Sports in a bad-tempered away game against Llanllyfni when violence erupted last August, denied kicking Sion Huws.

Magistrates at Caernarfon heard epileptic Mr Huws stayed overnight in Ysbyty Gwynedd at Bangor and had to give up factory work involving carrying items.

“I still get back ache,” he told the court.

Court chairman David Llewelyn Jones said the referee and another player saw the kick.

“The testimonies of both these individuals are clear, consistent and corroborative. We didn’t find the defence evidence credible,” the magistrate remarked.

Williams was bailed until he is sentenced following a probation report on Friday, 13 January.

Defence solicitor Craig Hutchinson said it wasn’t disputed that left back Mr Huws had been the victim of an assault by someone.

Referee Aled Williams criticised the “disgraceful” behaviour of the Prestatyn side’s manager who he sent off. “He was just abusive towards Llanllyfni and myself. That really didn’t help the Prestatyn team either,” he remarked.

There had been eight bookings before half time.

Llanllyfni player Timothy Cavanagh told the court it was a “very forceful” kick to his teammate.

The match was abandoned.

Sion Williams denied a suggestion by prosecutor Mel Hughes that he ran over and kicked Mr Huws who was on the floor.

Mr Hughes said his boots were not available on the day for police to take away. Williams rejected the suggestion that it was to ensure there was no forensic evidence.

The defendant said someone had picked up his bag.

Mr Hughes said Mr Cavanagh and the referee alleged the goalkeeper kicked Mr Huws. The defendant replied: ”It’s not what happened.”