A FOOTBALLER who injured a rival player from a Colne pub team has been described by a judge as otherwise a "fine member of the community".

Judge Barbara Watson told Mark Westfall, who struck victim Michael Lord and injured his ear, she was satisfied his behaviour was out of character.

Westfall, 24, sobbed in the dock as the judge told him his actions were reckless as opposed to a deliberate.

Describing Mr Lord's injuries as "extremely unpleasant", Judge Watson said Westfall had already disciplined by the footballing professional body for his behaviour, was a "very fine" member of the community and had always been in work.

Westfall, of Northdene Road, Keighley, was found guilty of assaulting Mr Lord causing him actual bodily harm, in October 2002, and was given 110 hours community punishment and told to pay £500 compensation.

The court had earlier been told how the offence took place during a match between the defendant's team, Lothersdale Athletic from Keighley, and Colne Shepherds, from the town's Shepherds Arms.

The teams were playing in the Craven and District League First Division, at Swinden Playing Fields in Nelson.

Mr Lord had to have three stitches to his left ear, the back of the ear was glued and he had to attend the ear, nose and throat clinic after being taken to Burnley General Hospital.

James Gibson, defending, said Westfall, who still maintained his innocence, was prepared to pay compensation.

The defendant had now been on bail since the offence 14 months ago and had not committed any further offences.

Westfall had since faced a Football Association disciplinary hearing and had been suspended for nine months, the remainder of last season. He had also been fined £245 which he had now paid.

Mr Gibson told the court Westfall had been playing football again since the beginning of the current season without any incident.