Soccer thug sent to jail

SARAH CRAWFORD | January 29th, 2011


TERRITORY sportsmen have been put on notice that an on-field assault could land them in jail.

The warning came after a Darwin soccer player was yesterday jailed for a maximum nine months after punching an opponent.

Vorrapon Pontong, 26, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court to breaking Scott Williams' jaw during an on-field incident sparked by racial taunts.

Justice Jenny Blokland said the 26-year-old, who had never been in trouble with the law before, had to be jailed as a general deterrent to others.

"Sporting fields are not law-free zones," Justice Blokland said.

Pontong pleaded guilty to causing serious harm, an offence which carries a mandatory sentence of actual imprisonment.

The attack happened during a match between Darwin City Buffaloes and Port Darwin FC at Nakara Sporting Oval on July 11, 2009.

During the first-half Pontong heard a player from the other team racially vilify him.

But he picked the wrong player to punch.

The court heard Mr Williams, 31, was not the one who yelled the racial slurs.

"He did not provoke the offender and he did not engage in racial remarks," Justice Blokland said.

"He was knocked out from behind and had no chance to take defensive action."

Mr Williams was out cold for 45 minutes.

He later had surgery to have metal plates and screws fixed to his broken jaw.

"He feels he has been scarred for life," Justice Blokland said.

"This illustrates why it is really important people (not) take the law into their own hands." Justice Blokland acknowledged Pontong had no criminal record or history of violence.

She also noted several glowing references for Pontong, including from his boss of four years, Brad Farrow, who described him as a "kind and gentle-hearted person".

Justice Blokland said even when players were caught up in the heat of the moment playing sport, an unprovoked attack which resulted in a significant injury, particularly to the head, warranted a time behind bars. Justice Blokland sentenced Pontong to nine months prison with a non-parole period of one month. The balance of the sentence will hang over his head for two years.

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/01/29/209421_ntnews.html