Football ban for man who lobbed bottle at Derby fans
A MIDDLESBROUGH FC fan who launched a bottle at Derby supporters has been banned from attending matches.
Aidan Mulpetre, of Rosedale Gardens, Stockton, has been punished for his behaviour at the Middlesbrough v Derby County game on February 12.
Appearing at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Tyler Plunkett said the match was “high risk”. A total of 18 people were arrested and charged amid “pockets of disorder” on the day of Boro’s win.
Sergeant Adrian Dack, from Cleveland Police, told the prosecution it was “the worst match” he had ever seen in terms of bad behaviour. Police said the “vast majority” of supporters behaved but a “minority were intent on spoiling the day”.
CCTV was shown in the court of the 21-year-old reacting to Boro’s winning goal. He could be seen celebrating and gesturing towards Derby fans before throwing a plastic bottle at them.
Mr Plunkett said: “He was spotted by police officers after Boro scored. There was a big group shouting and chanting at the Derby fans.
“At one point he bent down picked up a bottle and launched it towards fans. Thankfully it landed on an empty row of seats and didn’t hit anyone.”
The Teessider was charged with throwing a missile at the spectators area and pleaded guilty at the hearing. In mitigation, John Spooner said the defendant is of previous good character and the act was “complete and utter stupidity”.
Mr Spooner said it was an impulsive reaction to the game being won and asked for credit for the fan’s guilty plea.
Magistrates discharged Mulpetre conditionally for six months and handed him a three-year banning order from matches.
He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £22 victim surcharge.