TEAM mates of an amateur footballer accused of breaking a opponent’s leg told a court he was “distraught” after he realised what he had done.
Sean Merryweather faces a GBH charge following the incident in a North East Wales League game between Acton Park and Penyffordd Lions.
Penyfford Lions player Sam Richardson suffered a double leg break as a result of the challenge from Merryweather which the prosecution allege was high and made with excessive force.
Mold Crown Court has heard the defendant has not kicked a ball since the game in April last year.
Former team mate Dwayne Jones said he was five yards away when the defendant laid his challenge on Mr Richardson.
“He took the ball and the defender’s (Mr Richardson) left foot came into contact with Sean,” said Mr Jones.
“Sean was distraught and he was keeping himself to himself. You could tell by his body language he was upset.
“The Penyffordd manager walked over to him and put his arm around him. There was no animosity between them.”
Another of Merryweather’s team mates, Dale Williams, told the court that although both sides were challenging for the league title there had been “no nastiness” between the players before the incident.
“The Penyffordd player went for the ball and as he did Sean tried to block him getting in a shot. The player had planted his leg and the follow through has taken his leg. But it wasn’t a high tackle, Sean was still on the floor and he slid in to block the ball,” said Mr Williams.
“I’d say it was 50:50, the ball was there to be won.”
Mr Richardson underwent five operations and a skin graft. Merryweather was sent off and the match was abandoned.
Merryweather, 28, of Llys-y-Groes, Wrexham, denies assault occasioning grievous bodily harm on April 8 this year.
The trial continues
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