AN inmate serving a life sentence for murder took exception to being tackled in a five-a-side football match at a top security prison, a court was told.

James Greenwood, who was said to be "frustrated" at his team-mates’ performance, responded to the successful interception by walking up to his opponent and, without warning, head-butting him.

The forceful blow knocked back the fellow inmate, who was ushered away by other players in the behind bars match at Frankland Prison, on the outskirts of Durham, on November 8 last year.

Durham Crown Court heard that he required medical attention for the 2in-deep wound to his forehead, which was surgically glued.

Greenwood, who was also ushered away, went on to admit head-butting the opposition player, but claimed it was the culmination of a year-long grudge.

Uzma Khan, prosecuting, said he tried to diffuse his violent outburst by saying that the opponent had been kicking his ankles, a claim denied by the complainant.

Miss Khan said in his impact statement, the victim said since the incident he has lost confidence and has chosen not to play in any further football matches at the prison.

He said he became aware that Greenwood appeared to be growing increasingly frustrated during the game, angry at how his own side was playing.

Miss Khan said the victim believed Greenwood started to kick at his left leg, to make it appear that he, himself, had been kicked.

His statement added: “He became more confrontational and was in my face, then he head-butted me.”

He suffered whiplash-type injuries for several days after the incident, a black eye and is permanently scarred from the gash caused by the blow.

Miss Khan said the victim also feared for his welfare within the prison for pressing charges.

Forty-six-year-old Greenwood, from Merseyside, admitted a charge of wounding at a recent hearing before magistrates.

Today's (Friday May 20) sentencing hearing was told that Greenwood is a “lifer”, following his conviction for the murder of an 82-year-old retired teacher, who he beat to death during a burglary confrontation at her home, in Bootle, on Merseyside, on January 1, 2000.

David Carmichael, for Greenwood, said he received an 18-year tariff at sentence, at Liverpool Crown Court, in December 2000, and his latest conviction will be brought to the attention of the Parole Board when it comes to decide when it is safe to release him, after 2018.

Imposing a 15-month sentence for the Frankland attack, to run concurrently with his life term, Recorder Ray Singh told Greenwood he was “no stranger” to the court system, and has not been at liberty for 16 years.

He added that whatever the “rights and wrongs” of what went on previously on the football pitch, Greenwood deliberately approached his opponent and delivered the head-butt.