A man attacked a Bradford City fan in a shocking road rage assault which left the victim with a nasty eye injury.

Kyle Spellman attacked the man - who was with his grandad - after the FA Cup tie in November 2022, after he called him a "n**head" due to his driving among fans.

Prosecutor Robert Mochrie told Bradford Crown Court on Friday: "There was a large group of football supporters headed in the direction of Midland Road. He [the victim] noted two vehicles being driven down the road. It was his perception they were being too quick despite the pedestrians in the area.

"The cars were a Mercedes A class, being driven by Kyle Spellman, and an Audi S3 being driven by Joel Binns. As the man walked past the two vehicles he made a comment, and called the driver a 'n**head' and said they could have killed someone.

"Kyle Spellman got out and approached him from behind, repeatedly punching him to the face. A second, unidentified man, joined in. Joel Binns got out of his car and walked to the assault."

The victim in the case sustained a fractured left eye socket. The court heard how he had to undergo surgery after it was found his left eye had "sunk" into the socket. He had to have metal mesh inserted into his eye, and that will now be there for life. In a victim impact statement, he said he now suffers PTSD and is still dealing with the physical and mental impact of the attack.

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He said: "I have been advised not to drive as a result...Because of the pain and flashbacks and nightmares affecting my sleep, I had to reduce my hours at work. I still have to go for check-ups but have not attended some due to being diagnosed with PTSD.

"I have flashbacks and find it difficult to be in social situations. I can be startled when approached from behind. It has caused a significant amount of stress. I had to take months off work unpaid."

The court heard both men had previous good character. Spellman had earlier pleaded guilty to assault, and Binns a public order offence. Mitigating for Spellman, of Upper Moor Road in Leeds, Michael Collins, said: "The defendant caused more injury to what the victim could sustain from him. This was something that occurred without planning."

The court heard Spellman, 30, "bitterly regrets" his actions, which have since impacted his work and relationships. Mr Collins added: "There is a very helpful and positive pre-sentence report which recognises a direct impact on him if he went to custody. He is a hard-working individual, in a successful relationship with his partner. It is the defendant who makes the larger contribution to the mortgage in the matrimonial home and that will be lost if he lost his liberty."

The court heard Spellman had offered to pay a financial contribution to the victim. Recorder McKone made Spellman the subject of a 16-month sentence suspended for two years and ordered him to undertake 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 280 hours of unpaid work. He also ordered him to pay compensation of £5,000 to the victim.

Binns, 28, of Haigh Corner, Bradford, was ordered to pay a fine of £1,000 and costs of £85. The judge said: "Violence when football supporters are around is also a serious aspect in this case. I have taken into account you, Spellman, received some injury as well."

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