Man charged over Devon referee assault
A man has been charged with attacking a referee during an amateur football match in Devon.
Grant Hardwick, 25, of Totnes Road, Paignton, was charged over an incident during a game at Ashburton on 3 May.
Referee Donald Distin was officiating between Torre FC and Ashburton FC Reserves when he was hit in the face.
Mr Hardwick has also been charged with using threatening words and behaviour towards a referee at a football match in Stoke Fleming on 1 May.
He was bailed by police to appear at Torquay Magistrates' Court on 26 June.
Mr Distin, a former mayor, was taken to Torbay Hospital with facial injuries after the attack.
Torre FC withdrew from the South Devon Football League following the abandonment of the match.