A SOUTHAMPTON soccer fan caught up in the violent aftermath of the Southampton v Portsmouth FA Cup match in February was jailed for six months with a six year football banning order.
Joseph Sheldrake, 22, was seen pushing and holding the fence used to keep rival supporters apart, and hurling back a coin that had struck him on the head.
Prosecutor Gavin Sumpter said Sheldrake was later involved in a verbal confrontation with a community support officer but then went to his aid, for which he was thanked. Sheldrake, who was of previous good chacter, pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Verity Evetts, defending, said he had acted impulsively after being hit by the coin and since the match had seen a psychotherapist to address his behaviour.
Passing sentence, Judge Gary Burrell QC accepted he was a decent young man who had been involved in the lower end of the trouble and had not been drunk.
“But you were involved in serious violent disorder and the courts must send out a clear message that those caught and anyone choosing to take part at whatever level are in peril of losing their liberty.’’ Under the terms of the order, Sheldrake, of Rectory Cottage, Great Wishford, Salisbury, cannot attend matches in England and Wales for six years and must not go within a mile of the St Marys Stadium while Southampton are at home.
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