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Cheek biter banned

by msecadm4921

A soccer supporter from Sussex, who verbally abused a group of rival fans before biting one of their cheeks, has been banned from all football matches for the next five years. Lee Jones (22) of Salisbury Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, Hastings, pleaded guilty to common assault following the incident at Liverpool Street rail station, London, on Saturday, 12 November last year.

Jones, who did not attend City of London Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on 23 February 2012, was given a five-year banning order, a supervision requirement and ordered to work 160 hours unpaid. He was also fined £350.

The court heard Jones, who was travelling with a group of two other Tottenham Hotspur fans, was on a train after attending his team’s home game at White Hart Lane against Aston Villa. Whilst on the train he began to mock a group of six Villa fans close by.

As both groups left the service at Liverpool Street and headed towards the station ticket barriers, Jones attempted to grab one of the Villa fans. Stepping in to prevent any further violence, the victim, a 26-year-old from Fulham Broadway, pulled his friend away as Jones – who was drunk – lunched in, put his arm around the victim and bit his left cheek.

British Transport Police (BTP) nearby attended and arrested Jones. He was charged on Wednesday, 21 December with common assault which he pleaded guilty to.

PC Alvin Soomary, football intelligence officer from BTP, said: “The viciousness of Jones’ attack left the victim with a nasty bite mark, a puncture wound and heavy bleeding. This order means Jones will be banned from all organised football matches in the UK for a period of five years and will be prohibited from travelling abroad on dates when football matches are played outside of the UK.

“The imposition of the order shows, clearly, that the courts take a dim view of anyone who carries out anti-social or violent acts, particularly when associated with football. The vast majority of football fans are law abiding and a credit to the clubs they follow, but a small minority seek to spoil this good reputation and this is why both the police and the wider criminal justice system make such efforts to bring them to justice.

“Through his violent actions, Jones will now miss the next few seasons and will be prevented from following the team he supports.”

PC Soomary added: “Other football fans who seek to cause trouble on the railway should take note and can expect similar treatment from the police and the courts. We will not tolerate any form of criminal or anti-social behaviour and will not hesitate to take action against anyone who steps out of line and brings the wider group of football fans into disrepute.”

Notes  

During the next five years, Jones must not enter any premises for the purpose of attending any football matches in the UK.

When football matches being played outside the UK, Jones must report to Hastings police station and surrender any form of travel documentation.

He must not enter within 2000 metres of any stadium which Tottenham Hotspur Football Club playing a home or away match or when the England national team are playing, three hours prior and after kick off.

He is also banned from using the rail network, including London Underground, on a day when Tottenham Hotspur are playing a designated fixture or when the England national team are playing a home game, three hours before and after kick off time.

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