A Leeds United supporter has been jailed for entering the playing area and assaulting Newcastle United manager, Eddie Howe.
David Derbyshire, 35, of Marley Street, Beeston, admitted offences of assault by beating and going onto the playing area of a designated football match when he appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Friday, 21st July 2023.
He was back before the same court for sentencing on Friday, 8th September 2023.
Assault by beating, an offence contrary to section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, has a maximum penalty of 26 weeks' custody on summary conviction; Going onto the playing area of a designated football match, an offence contrary to section 4 of the Football (Offences) Act 1991, has a maximum penalty of a fine at level 3 (currently £1,000).
The court heard that the incident took place at Elland Road during The Whites' Premier League match against Newcastle United on Saturday, 13th May 2023.
Well into "Fergie time", with the score level at 2-2 and Leeds requiring a last gasp winner to stand any chance of avoiding relegation, TV cameras captured the moment Derbyshire clambered over an advertising hoarding and approached Mr Howe as he was standing on the touchline.
Derbyshire was then seen to repeatedly tap Mr Howe on the shoulder before pushing him on the chest. Stewards quickly intervened to remove the intruder from the side of the pitch.
The court heard that Derbyshire had been drinking heavily prior to the incident. He had lost his employment as a result and his relationship with his partner had broken down.
District Judge Tim Capstick, addressing Derbyshire, said: "Your behaviour had a risk of causing further violence or crowd trouble at the ground, it being the last match of the season and all that that entailed.
"Worse still, that match was televised so your behaviour was seen on national TV and seen by millions of people.
"I am satisfied that these offences are serious enough to warrant a custodial sentence."
Derbyshire was sentenced to 12 weeks' immediate custody.
He was also made subject to a football banning order for the next 10 years (see relevant legislation).
Although not reported, the court should also have ordered payment of £154 surcharge and £85 towards prosecution costs.
Leeds United has also banned Derbyshire from Elland Road for life.
Chief Superintendent Richard Close, West Yorkshire Police's commander on the day, said: "Criminal behaviour of this kind is completely unacceptable, particularly where club staff or players are targeted during a large-scale sports event such as this. I know that fans of the sport, regardless of their club affiliations, will join us in condemning anyone who acts in this way.
"We will always treat incidents like this very seriously and we work closely with Leeds United and visiting clubs to fully investigate any offences and take robust action against those responsible, including seeking football banning orders against them."
No comments:
Post a Comment