Father and son Plymouth Argyle fans have been banned from attending matches for three years after they abused a female supporter, who complained about the dad urinating near her seat.
Banned: Jordan & Raymond Brook
Raymond Brook, 58, and son Jordan Brook, 24, had been drinking all day as they travelled to their team’s away FA Cup tie at Brentford on January 11.
Unfortunately for them they were arrested at half-time and missed Argyle’s 82nd minute winner in their 0-1 victory.
City of London Magistrates’ Court heard the pair spent five hours on a train, traveling from their home in Hawking Gardens, Plymouth.
Jobless painter and decorator Raymond told the trial he drank five ciders during the journey, had some more pre-match drinks and then another in the stadium with his son.
They denied, but were both convicted of threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress to off-duty police officer and Argyle fan Sarah Stephens.
Prosecutor Robert Simpson told the court the victim was walking to her place, with her 11 year-old daughter when she saw Raymond relieving himself and leaving a puddle of urine under her seat.
She told him: “If you want to do that go to the toilet,” adding: “You dirty old man.”
There is no suggestion Brook exposed himself.
He told the court he suddenly had to go due to recent keyhole surgery for a hernia and had already visited the toilet in the stadium.
Ms Stephens took out her mobile phone and began recording the pair, prompting Jordan to give her the middle finger.
Delivery driver Jordan also told her to “f*** off” and the victim says she was also called a “c***” and described as “stuck up and not even watching the football.”
Jordan maintained his comments were a private conversation with his father and not directed towards the victim, but she insisted the words were well in earshot and intended to be heard.
The son claimed his autism affected his behaviour and Mr Simpson added he also said out loud: “She should f***ing move.”
“The woman says she was ‘disgusted’ and that there was no explanation from the pair that can be acceptable,” explained the prosecutor.
She described the father and son as “football hooligans” and that she was “intimidated” by the pair and reported their behaviour to police.
At one point Jordan tapped Ms Stephens on the shoulder, asking: “Can we have a word,” but she did not want a discussion with him, although some words were exchanged at half-time.
Bench Chairwoman Margaret Diane Lennan announced: “We have spent some time considering what we have heard.
“The complainant was clear and consistent that there was verbal swearing ongoing in the presence of her daughter, which only ceased when she took a picture.
“Jordan says it was not his intention for her to hear, but it was sustained and he was asked several times to stop the abuse.
“These were thoroughly unpleasant offences and attendees at football matches are entitled not to hear swearing and abusive behaviour.”
“Raymond Brook started the actions and Jordan engaged with the poor behaviour.
“It is a very salutary lesson and the convictions will impact your lives. If you break the football banning order you will be committing another offence and could be sent to prison.”
Raymond was fined £101, with £325 costs and ordered to pay a £40 victim surcharge and Jordan was fined £230, with £325 costs and ordered to pay a £92 victim surcharge.
No comments:
Post a Comment