A KENDAL man who admits causing a ”nasty” ankle injury to another man as they “grappled” has heard he could receive a jail term for the offence.

Gareth Mark Jackson, 32, faced one charge when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court recently.

Jackson admitted unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm upon Thomas Broomby during trouble which occurred on October 23 last year.

“This is a strange incident,” said Jackson’s barrister, David Traynor, “in that the violence used was grappling between the two men.”

Mr Broomby had ended up in such a position that he suffered a ‘nasty injury to his ankle area’.

“It is my submission the court will be best placed to sentence if it is able to consider alternatives other than immediate custody, and I would ask for the preparation of a (probation service) pre-sentence report,” said Mr Traynor.

The judge, Recorder Nicholas Clarke QC, noted Jackson had previous convictions for failing to comply with court orders.

Mr Traynor responded: “There is a long-standing drug problem - heroin - which he sorted about four years ago.”

Jackson was also making “great efforts” to re-establish contact with his child, and the barrister added: “He is motivated to comply.

“I will be seeking to impress that on the sentencing court.”

Recorder Clarke agreed to order a pre-sentence report, but also stated: “There were serious injuries caused in this case.”

Jackson, of Kent Street, Kendal, was granted bail on condition of residence and that he attends probation service appointments as directed.

“I will not be the sentencing judge,” Recorder Clarke said.

“It must be clear to the defendant that all options are available, and that must include the possibility of a custodial sentence.”

Jackson is due to be sentenced at the crown court on October 16, and was told by the judge at the end of today’s hearing: “You are free to go.

“Keep out of trouble in the meantime.”