A VIOLENT offender who broke a basketball player's jaw has been given a chance by the courts to behave in future.Junius Hurd also known as Chew Hurd avoided immediate custody when Judge John Holt said he deserved “a chance” now he had a partner and young son and suspended the prison sentence.

A VIOLENT offender who broke a basketball player's jaw has been given a chance by the courts to behave in future.

Junius Hurd also known as Chew Hurd avoided immediate custody when Judge John Holt said he deserved “a chance” now he had a partner and young son and suspended the prison sentence.

Ipswich Crown Court heard that Hurd, 27, of Glengarrie Road, London, attacked Joseph Matthews with a single hard punch to his face.

Hurd knocked out four of Mr Matthew's teeth, shattered his mouth, broke his jaw and split his lips.

Charles Myatt, prosecuting, said Mr Matthews was playing basketball for the Brightlingsea Sledgehammers at Gainsborough Sports Centre when an argument broke out with the opposing Suffolk College team.

Mr Myatt said: “This defendant suddenly ran into the court, pushed through his team mates, jumped in the air and punched Mr Mathews full in the mouth.”

He said Hurd then went back to the reserve bench, packed up his kit and left.

The court heard that although the assault inflicting grievous bodily harm to which Hurd pleaded guilty happened on November 24, 2005, Hurd was not charged until January this year because of difficulties obtaining dental evidence.

Hurd who has a record for violent crimes dating back to 1996 and including assault with intent to rob, affray, causing actual bodily harm and slashing a man's back with a broken bottle, initially told police he thought Mr Matthews was going to punch him so he struck Mr Matthew's in self defence.

Simon Spence mitigating said Hurd was now settled with his partner and two-year-old son. He said Hurd was “genuinely remorseful” for what he had done. The offence was now dated and Hurd had “come to grips” with his alcohol problems.

Judge Holt said: “You have got previous but this offence was two years ago and I have read reports and character references about you and I accept you have changed your lifestyle. I am going to take a chance now because I am going to impose a suspended sentence.”

Judge Holt added “significant” conditions to the 12 month prison term which was suspended for two years. Hurd was curfewed between 7pm and 5am for six months, placed on probation supervision for 18 months and told to pay Mr Matthews £1,000 compensation.

Hurd was warned that if he breached the order he would be jailed.