Bowler attack batsman sentenced

Michael Butt sentenced to community service for attack

A village cricketer who attacked the 14-year-old bowler who got him out has been given 175 hours community work.

Michael Butt, 32, of St Ives, Cambs, admitted assaulting the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and must also pay him £200 compensation.

Cambridge Crown Court heard Butt was playing for Elsworth against Cambridge St Giles in August 2004.

The boy received cuts and bruises but the attack was "out of character" and would not be repeated, the court heard.

The batsman had pushed the teenager to the floor and punched him after being clean bowled.

Repeat unlikely

In his defence Butt said the boy called him "tosser" after taking his wicket but the bowler denied the suggestion.

Judge Gareth Hawkesworth sentencing him on Friday said the attack was out of character and any repeat was unlikely.

"Somebody once said that the Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton," said the judge.

"It is a saying which I have never fully understood because as far as I am concerned war has no place on the playing field and it had no place here."