A boxing coach who fractured a man’s cheekbone with a single blow has been jailed for 12 months at Lincoln Crown Court.
Kirt Powell attacked Jonathan Miller after his victim accidentally bumped into him in Stamford town centre.
Tony Stanford, prosecuting, said that Mr Miller continued to walk along Red Lion Street following the incident but moments later a comment was shouted at him by Powell’s friend and he turned round.
Powell then approached and punched him once to the right side of his face.
Mr Stanford said “It was an unprovoked attack. The punch caused Mr Miller to fall unconscious to the floor.
“Powell and his friend then walked off to the bottom of the street where they remained until police arrived.
“Powell admitted he punched the injured party. He said it was a warning punch as he wanted the man to leave.
“He said he coaches boxing and does some sparring in the gym. He said he regretted what he had done and that he had been stupid.”
Mr Miller underwent an operation to insert a metal plate just below his right eye and was left with blurred vision.
Powell of St John’s Road, Weston Hills, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on April 27.
Judge Michael Heath told him “This is an example of town centre violence.
“Words were exchanged between the victim and your friend but no threats were uttered and this was entirely unprovoked.
“What you did has had a considerable effect upon him.
“If you behave as you did on this occasion and punch with such force that he is rendered entirely unconscious the only sentence I can justify is immediate custody.”
Chris Jeyes, defending, said “Ordinarily this is a young man who is well-regarded. It is a matter of very great sadness that he appears in court.He has made expressions of remorse.
“He accepts that the complainant didn’t do anything that deserved what happened to him.
“He bitterly regrets what he did and wishes he could turn the clock back.”
Mr Jeyes said that Powell was in work and in a long-term relationship adding that Powell is not a trained boxer but helps out with gym training.”