A Norfolk man has been banned from attending football matches following a violent assault that left a supporter with brain injuries.

Leyton James, 29, of Wood Norton Road, Stibbard, near Fakenham, was given a 12-month community order for assault by beating.

A second man, Lee Boyce, 54, from London, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for grievous bodily harm.

Both attacked a fellow football fan after the FA Trophy semi-final match between Leyton Orient and Telford United in March 2019, West Mercia Police said.

Boyce and James pleaded guilty at Shrewsbury Crown Court and were banned from attending matches for five years.

It comes after concerns have been raised about the rise in violence at football matches.

Detective Sergeant Andy Dawson said: “This was an unprovoked and senseless attack on an innocent member of the public who had been watching his team play football. 

“The attack has had a long-lasting impact on the victim, who has been incredibly brave throughout.

“Incidents like this have no place in society and we won’t hesitate to apprehend and seek prosecution.”