Tyson Fury's father jailed for 11 years

The father of heavyweight prospect Tyson Fury has been jailed for 11 years after gouging out a man's eye during a bloody brawl at a car auction.

Manchester Crown Court heard 'Gypsy' John Fury left Oathie Sykes, 44, half-blind after shoving his finger into his victim's right eye.

Those at the hearing, including 22-year-old Tyson, heard that moments before he did this, the 46-year-old announced he was the country's toughest man.

A tearful Fury, who admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, begged for leniency, saying, “If I could give my own eye to him to get back to my children I would do – I’m begging you for my life.

“I’m worried about my son. His boxing career is on the line.”

Sentencing, Judge Michael Henshell said Fury had been ‘cold-blooded’ in causing the ‘catastrophic injury’.

A fuller and, indeed, more graphic report can be read in the Manchester Evening News.

Image courtesy Chris Royle