A WRESTLER who assaulted his opponent in a match in Ferndown has been jailed.

James Thomas Alexander Riley, aged 33 and of Prunus Close in Ferndown, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday, March 29 to 21 months in prison after admitting an offence of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

The defendant, who goes by the name of Jay Knox when he is wrestling, was taking part in an event at the scout hut on Cherry Grove on Saturday 8 February 2020.

The victim, aged in his 30s, was a fellow wrestler who had just returned to the sport after a long break and was being trained by the defendant. He stepped in to face Riley when another club member pulled out at short notice.

The pair had therefore not had much time to practice but had agreed some props to use and a sign if they needed recovery time during the match.

During the match the victim was bent over with his hands on his knees, at which point the defendant kicked him with force to the middle of the face.

The victim felt in immediate pain and saw blood all over the canvas, his arms and his wrestling gear but Riley told him to keep going. He said he was dazed and continued as if he was on autopilot until the bell rang for the end of the contest. 

The incident was filmed by a member of the public on their mobile phone.

After the match the victim went to hospital and had to undergo surgery for facial fractures. The matter was subsequently reported to police.

As well as receiving a prison sentence, Riley was also made the subject of a restraining order for a period of ten years to prevent him from contacting the victim.

Detective Constable Steve Davis, of Bournemouth CID, said: “James Riley subjected his victim to a violent assault that went far beyond anything that was appropriate within the parameters of the wrestling match.

“The victim has been left with injuries that have had a significant and lasting impact.”