A former Kent footballer has been branded a “violent coward” after assaulting a two-year-old girl, leaving her with life-changing injuries. Kiernan Hughes-Mason was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and child cruelty after the youngster was found with serious injuries in January 2020. The 32-year-old denied the charges but was found unanimously guilty on August 20 following a trial at Basildon Crown Court, in Essex. Today, (September 10) Hughes-Mason, who has previously played for Maidstone United, Welling and Hythe Town, was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Speaking afterw…