Bond for punching NSW touch judge

A man who knocked out a rugby union touch judge during a game in northern NSW has been placed on a one-year good behaviour bond.

Police say Martin Thomas Cochrane punched the 49-year-old official in August last year after he was sent off during the match at Bingara.

The touch judge lost consciousness and was taken to Bingara Hospital, police said at the time.

Cochrane pleaded guilty at Inverell Local Court this week to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

As well as the bond, he was ordered to perform 200 hours of community service and perform 30 hours of personal development programs.