Fan banned for three years from football matches following arrest over behaviour
A man has been banned from attending regulated football matches for three years following his arrest at a recent game.
Stephen James, from Severn Road in Halesowen, was arrested and later charged over his behaviour at the Kidderminster Harriers versus Bromley Match on August 19 by officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Team.
The 42-year-old was convicted at Worcester Magistrates' Court on September 5 of one section 5 public order offence (Use threatening / abusive words / behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress) and one count of being drunk in a sports ground.
James was handed a three-year banning order and was also fined £160 for an offence under section 5 of the Public Order Act and another £160 under section 2 of the Designated Sports Act and ordered to pay £135 costs.
PC Andy Forbes of the Kidderminster Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “James’ behaviour was alarming to other members of the public and acting in a disorderly manner led to his arrest.
“Anti-social behaviour and acts of violence won’t be tolerated at football matches.
“We will continue to work closely with the club to target offenders and deal with them proportionately but robustly.
“We need to continue to protect the public and allow the majority of law-abiding sports fans attend the games with reassurance they are safe.”