Quote: moving on... "If I copped a cheap shot from the side and threw a headbutt it would be considered 'the use of reasonable force' in the event of self defence.
Anyway. Your point is null and void because this wasn't everyday life. It was during a game... A contact sport. I pray that some RL fans never make it to and Ice hockey game... I'd stay away from boxing and MMA as well, just to be sure.'"
I started watching Rugby in the mid 70's so i know all about the "biff". Your self defence point is interesting but I can't see anyone trying to Justify Ben Westwood's actions on those grounds. The "sentencing" point was merely to highlight that use of the head is considered an aggravating factor.
I will be staying away from boxing and am amazed that it is still legal. Given the level of awareness about the effects of head injuries, how a civilised society can allow a sport that is based on inflicting blows to the head amazes me. I will also be avoiding cock fighting, bull fighting and bare knuckle fighting. I also think the fact that we no longer send young boys up chimneys is a good thing. If that makes me a snowflake in your eyes I wear that badge with pride.