Reading FC player avoids jail for 'thuggish' attack
Twenty-year-old Matthew Partridge, of Oak Tree Road, inflicted horrific injuries on his victim during a savage and sustained road rage attack.
He arrived at Reading Crown Court for sentencing carrying an overnight bag and Lisa Goddard, prosecuting, reminded Judge Angela Morris that guidelines suggested the starting sentence for an offence such as Partridge’s should be 18 months’imprisonment, rising to three years.
But he walked from the dock after senior officials from Reading Football Club Academy pleaded with Judge Morris not to ruin his career by jailing him.
Academy safeguarding manager David Downs said: "I'm not here because he is a star player but because he is one of us."
Judge Morris imposed a range of sanctions on Partridge but allowed him to keep his freedom.
She condemned his “thuggish behaviour” and reminded him of his responsibility as a role model in his local community.
For the full story pick up a copy of tomorrow’s Newbury Weekly News.