SOCCER thug Eamon McHugh has been jailed for kicking an opponent in the face during a game.

Recorder Richard Benson QC gave McHugh, 25, of Iffley Road, Oxford, a three-year sentence, saying he did not believe McHugh was wicked but had kicked out in "one split-second of stupid, wicked behaviour".

A jury at Oxford Crown Court earlier this month found the labourer guilty of causing 25-year-old Darren Smith grievous bodily harm with intent.

McHugh was out on licence at the time of the offence in September after being jailed for three years for causing death by careless driving. He also had three previous convictions for violence.

Defender Darren, who played for Great Milton, was left with breaks to his nose, eye socket, cheekbone and jaw in the game against Barton.

McHugh, close to tears, told the court: "I would like to apologise to Mr Smith for what I have done to him."

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