This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/7635752.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Ear-biting rugby player is jailed Ear-biting rugby player is jailed
(about 2 hours later)
A rugby player who bit off a piece of a rival's ear during a match after the ref awarded a penalty has been jailed for a year at Cardiff Crown Court. A rugby player who bit off a piece of an opponent's ear during a match, after the referee had awarded a penalty, has been jailed for a year.
Flanker Gareth Jones, 25, of Cardiff side Star RFC, left opponent Daniel Hobbs, 25, of Rhiwbina RFC, needing 20 stitches to reattach his earlobe.Flanker Gareth Jones, 25, of Cardiff side Star RFC, left opponent Daniel Hobbs, 25, of Rhiwbina RFC, needing 20 stitches to reattach his earlobe.
Jones, of Rhoose, had denied wounding with intent, but was convicted after a trial at the court last month. Jones, of Rhoose, had denied wounding with intent, but was convicted after a trial at Cardiff Crown Court in August.
Sentencing him, Judge Stephen Hopkins described the attack as "barbaric".Sentencing him, Judge Stephen Hopkins described the attack as "barbaric".
Jailing Jones for 12 months, the judge told said: "This remains an appalling piece of gratuitous violence.Jailing Jones for 12 months, the judge told said: "This remains an appalling piece of gratuitous violence.
"The unprovoked and mindless, deliberate, biting of an opponent's ear during a rugby match can only be described as a barbaric act.""The unprovoked and mindless, deliberate, biting of an opponent's ear during a rugby match can only be described as a barbaric act."
Jones's trial had heard the match being played at Rhiwbina was only 10 minutes old when when the attack happened.Jones's trial had heard the match being played at Rhiwbina was only 10 minutes old when when the attack happened.
Mike Jones, prosecuting, told the jury: "Rhiwbina were awarded a penalty but were blocked by opposition players.Mike Jones, prosecuting, told the jury: "Rhiwbina were awarded a penalty but were blocked by opposition players.
'Lying''Lying'
"Both teams started pushing and shoving and Jones came face to face with Mr Hobbs."Both teams started pushing and shoving and Jones came face to face with Mr Hobbs.
"Jones grabbed hold of his upper arm, lent forward and purposely bit him on the left ear without any justification."Jones grabbed hold of his upper arm, lent forward and purposely bit him on the left ear without any justification.
"Hobbs immediately felt a sharp pain and put his hand up to his ear. When he pulled his hand back it was covered in blood.""Hobbs immediately felt a sharp pain and put his hand up to his ear. When he pulled his hand back it was covered in blood."
The jury heard that Mr Jones was arrested after the match.The jury heard that Mr Jones was arrested after the match.
Jones claimed witnesses who said they had seen him bite Mr Hobbs were lying.Jones claimed witnesses who said they had seen him bite Mr Hobbs were lying.