Amateur footballer avoids jail for king hit

A Perth father has been spared jail, for a brutal hit behind play on an amateur footballer.

Leigh David Bennett was today handed a suspended prison term and fined $12,500 for leaving opposition player, Mitch McKay, with serious facial injuries.

The off-duty policeman was playing for the Ocean Ridge Eagles in May 2016, when he was king hit by the Maddington Bulls player during the C grade match.

He suffered hairline fractures to his jaw and need major dental work.

The judge said Bennett's hit was unacceptable and violence won't be tolerated on the field.

Bennett was sentenced to nine months jail, suspended for 18 months.

He hasn't played a game since.

$5000 from Bennett's fine will be paid to his victim.