Ex-boxer Earl Ling broke man’s jaw in Aldi car park dispute

Shoppers attempted to stop Earl Ling, 52, as he punched the victim to the floor after seeing him hit his daughter around the head. The two men were previously unknown to each other. 

The ex-fighter-turned-youth worker, who spoke in schools about the dangers of violent crime after hanging up his gloves, hit him to the body and face and fractured his jaw.  

Earl Ling told Norfolk schools about the dangers of violent crime after hanging up his gloves (Image: Newsquest)

Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told the attack outside the Drayton Road supermarket was sparked by Ling's misguided attempt to protect the girl, who he believed was aged about 13. 

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Ling, of Hooper Lane in New Catton, was sentenced to an 18 month community order after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm. 

Jessica Neequaye, prosecuting, said the victim had admitted “tapping” his daughter on the back of her head after she was “getting mouthy”.

The former boxer punched a man in an Aldi car park while attempting to protect a young teenager (Image: Google) Earl Ling leaving Norwich Magistrates Court after being sentenced for actual bodily harm (Image: Newsquest)

When the former boxer challenged him he said “what are you staring at?” -  prompting the attack.

The court was told Ling had previous offences for violence but had not been before the court since 1999. 

Julie Adams, mitigating, said: “This is one incident that was an overreaction after a 25 year period of not offending. That demonstrates he can go without getting into trouble.” 

Ling is engaged to his partner and currently awaiting a hip operation after being diagnosed with osteoarthritis, she added.

Ling fought as a professional cruiserweight in the 1990s and early 2000s (Image: Newsquest)  His career included fights at Norwich Showground and Norwich Sportspark (Image: Newsquest)

Magistrates ordered him to pay his victim £300 compensation and complete 20 rehabilitation days.

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During his time as a cruiserweight in the 1990s and early 2000s, Earl 'Wild Thing' Ling became a well-known local sporting name with high-profile bouts at the Norwich Showground among seven wins and 11 defeats.

After hanging up his boxing gloves he went on to try his hand at acting, appearing in a string of lesser known films including Red Army Hooligans, Maximus, Stagger, Malice in Wonderland and Scare Attraction.

He was also employed by the St Giles Trust working with youngsters in Norfolk schools.