A judge labelled a former professional boxer a “danger to the public” when she jailed him for six years.

The Comet: Stephen KinnersleyStephen Kinnersley (Image: Archant)

Stephen Kinnersley, of Ellice in Letchworth, was sentenced at Luton Crown Court for grievous body harm with intent for assaulting a man and breaking his ankle in an unprovoked attack.

The 34-year-old, appearing via video link from Bedford prison, was found guilty of the offence on September 12 following a trial at the court.

Kinnersley had been out drinking all day with friends on October 19 last year at The Crown pub in Stotfold.

The group had become loud and boisterous and were warned to calm down several times by the landlord but refused.

Later on one of the group was taken outside to sober up. Kinnersley followed his friend and punched Andrew Bourn, an innocent bystander, in the face.

He fell awkwardly and broke his ankle.

After the assault Kinnersley, a former light heavyweight boxer who fought under alias The Bear, was heard to say: “Come on, who else wants it?”

This is the second time he has been convicted of the same offence. In 2002 Kinnersley was found guilty of being a member of a group who attacked two men as the left The Black Squirrel pub in Letchworth.

One of the men had a glass smashed in his face and the other required surgery after his legs were broken.

He was also found guilty of common assault in 1999.

Delivering the sentence, Judge Barbara Mensah said: “This was an unprovoked attack in a public house. When you were found guilty your council suggested that I sentence you on the day but I thought it would be better to consider your previous offences first.

“A pre-sentence report says that you are a risk to the public in certain situations like when you visit public houses or drink in public, because you have the potential to become violent. I agree with this report.

“You were a boxer and knew your strength. After you floored Mr Bourn you simply walked off, showing no concern for him.

“You contacted the landlord’s daughter the next day claiming to be concerned about his welfare.

“I believe you were more concerned about your own situation and were trying to persuade him against contacting the police.

“I accept that now you are genuinely remorseful and have lost a lot of things because of this.

“Your boxing license has been taken away from and you will never compete again. You are now taking steps to address your problems in prison and must continue to do so.

“This was an unprovoked attack in a public house. You did not enter a guilty plea to the charge but did accept a lesser charge of common assault which I will take into mitigation.

“I have decided that the seriousness of this offence requires six years immediate custody.”

When Kinnersley leaves prison he will also have to pay a £120 victim surcharge.