Navy rugby player guilty of assault
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A ROYAL NAVY rugby player who punched and stamped on an opponent's face during a match was last night found guilty of assault, the first time a serviceman has been court-martialled for such an offence.
A panel of judges at Portsmouth, Hampshire, reached the verdict on Ian Russell after 30 minutes. He will be sentenced today.
Leading Physical Training Instructor Russell, 36, based at HMS Rayleigh in Plymouth, was accused of shattering Gary Curtis's nose in six places, injuries that required two operations. Mr Curtis, 31, said that during the match between his club team, Havant, and the Royal Navy side last October, Russell pinned him to the floor with his knee and punched him square on the nose, having already kicked him in the head. Russell denied causing grievous bodily harm.
Mr Curtis, who has not played since the incident, said: 'There are what I call rules of the jungle, but that was so far beyond the rules of the jungle even. It was a horrible punch.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments