Bowls player jailed over attack
A Wales international bowls player has been jailed for two years after blinding a man in one eye in a vicious street attack in Newtown. A Wales international bowls player has been jailed for two years after blinding a man in one eye in a vicious street attack in Newtown. Mark Tudor Jones's victim was found with part of his eye hanging down his cheek when police arrived on the scene. Mark Heath's eye had literally burst in the attack in Wesley Street on August 6, Mold Crown Court heard yesterday. Margaret Roberts, prosecuting, said the eye had to be removed and the victim, 31, had been left "an emotional wreck". Jones, of Pendinas, Caersws, admitted unlawful wounding and was jailed for two years. Read the full story in the Shropshire Star
A Wales international bowls player has been jailed for two years after blinding a man in one eye in a vicious street attack in Newtown. Mark Tudor Jones's victim was found with part of his eye hanging down his cheek when police arrived on the scene.
Mark Heath's eye had literally burst in the attack in Wesley Street on August 6, Mold Crown Court heard yesterday.
Margaret Roberts, prosecuting, said the eye had to be removed and the victim, 31, had been left "an emotional wreck".
Jones, of Pendinas, Caersws, admitted unlawful wounding and was jailed for two years.
The incident had been recorded on CCTV and the film was seen by Judge John Rogers QC at the hearing.
The judge told Jones, 25, a Wales bowls player who had never been in trouble before: "When Mr Heath went down and was defenceless, you knelt over him and you used your right fist to punch him repeatedly to the face.
"You must have known you were damaging him or putting him at risk of facial damage. Others tried to pull you off. Eventually they succeeded."
He added: "Your victim has lost his eye. This offence is so serious only a prison sentence is appropriate."
Judge Rogers said he had taken into account Jones's "impeccable character" and numerous references that spoke of his good character.
But, he said, the sentence imposed was "nothing" compared to what his victim faced - being blinded in one eye.
David McLachlan, mitigating, said the attack had happened in "literally seconds of madness".
He said Mr Heath had said something derogatory to Jones's brother, threatened to beat him up and kill him.
It had been accepted by the prosecution there had been provocation but that did not justify the attack.
"This incident was completely out of character for him," said Mr McLachlan.
He said Jones was clearly ashamed and remorseful.
The court heard that the victim had been in hospital for 11 days after the assault and had to have three operations - the final one to remove the eye.
He had also faced a further operation to fit a false eye. In a victim impact statement Mr Heath had described himself as "an emotional wreck".
By Debbie Knox
