A football fan who was drunk at a match and assaulted another attendee has been handed a three-year ban from attending games. Martin East, 36, pleaded guilty to common assault and being drunk in a sports ground on January 17.
East, 36, of Weyland Road, Headington, returned to Oxford Magistrates Court to be sentenced yesterday (February 13), He received a three-year football banning order, a community order and was ordered to pay court costs and a victim surcharge.
The incident involving East occurred at an Oxford United match v Derby County match on December 29 last year played at Oxford's home ground, the Kassam Stadium. East was arrested the same day and was charged on December 30.
Dedicated Football Officer, PC Alex Locke, said: “I welcome the court imposing this banning order following the offences. Football banning orders not only restrict supporters convicted of football-related offences watching the team they follow but they apply to all regulated football matches in the United Kingdom and some international matches and tournaments as well.
“Football matches should be a safe place for all people and Thames Valley Police will always deal with incidents at football matches seriously and apply for Football Banning Orders where appropriate.”
