The career of a professional boxer is on the line after he was jailed for assaulting a woman.
The hopes of Bradley Welsh to win ''the fight of his life'' were in tatters yesterday after the former Amateur Boxing Association lightweight champion was jailed.
Sheriff John Horsburgh, QC, sentenced Welsh, 26, to four months at Edinburgh Sheriff Court after taking into account his past record - which includes a four-year sentence.Welsh, of New Arthur Place, Edinburgh, admitted barging into the flat of Fiona Boyaci and poking her in the eye.
Solicitor David Blair-Wilson said that while serving 18 months of his four year sentence, the boxer had trained hard.
On his release, Welsh had won the amateur title in 1993 then fought professional fights.
He said the boxer had recently returned from training in the USA and was now scheduled to tackle ''the fight of his life'' in the St Andrew's sporting club 200th anniversary elimination British light weight title.
''He has made efforts to change his lifestyle which have been extremely successful until last week,'' said Mr Blair-Wilson. ''His career is now on the line. To take that career away from him might jeopardise his future.''
But Sheriff Horsburgh told Welsh: ''Because of the serious nature of this offence and your record for crimes of violence, I am entirely satisfied that the only appropriate disposal is a custodial one.''
Both brothers admitted a breach of the peace while Bradley also pled guilty to assault.
Welsh's solicitor said he was now trying to arrange for the boxer's release pending appeal.
Sean Welsh, a gas board employee, of Prestonfield Crescent, Ed-inburgh, was fined #250.
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