ANGRY DAD HEADBUTTED RIVAL COACH
Gateshead man lashed out after trouble flared at a junior football tournament
AN angry parent lashed out and headbutted a rival team coach when trouble flared at a junior football tournament.
Aaron Coote snapped and “viciously” attacked Malcolm Bamford in front of shocked youngsters at the sporting event for under-8s, held at East Hartford Football Pitch, in Cramlington, on August 17 last year.
Newcastle Crown Court was told that the final match of the day, between Team Gosforth and City Juniors, both based in Newcastle, turned heated with adults connected to both sides “berating” each other and using bad language.
But, when Team Gosforth coach Mr Bamford swore at Coote, the latter saw red and headbutted him to the side of the face.
The attack, which was witnessed by an off-duty police officer and left onlooking children in tears, caused Mr Bamford to fall to the ground in agony.
The court was told he was taken to hospital, where it was discovered he had two fractures to his cheek, which required surgery to insert metal plates.
Now, Coote, 29, of Manor Gardens, Wardley, Gateshead, has narrowly avoided time in jail but was banned from all junior football tournaments after he pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm without intent.
Giving him a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, Judge Julie Clemitson told Coote that the example he set to the young players was “disgraceful”.
She said: “The match appears to have been bad tempered and played in bad spirit. Adults involved in children’s sporting matches, whether as officials or supporters, should understand they are setting the tone for those young players.
“Their behaviour will seem acceptable to children and will be copied, so adults should be able to demonstrate sportsmanship and respect for other people at a bare minimum.
“The example that was set was appalling.”
The judge continued: “All of this played out in front of your own young son. Other spectators were upset by what they had seen – some were still crying, even after you were taken away.”
Judge Clemitson also blasted Coote’s club, City Juniors, for not taking their own disciplinary action against him, adding: “I’m dismayed that your son’s club didn’t see fit to get their own sanctions upon you.
“It looks like you’re involved with the club. The club should be setting an example and showing young people what happens when you behave violently in the context of a football match.”
Coote was detained at the scene after the incident, and was immediately apologetic and remorseful, the court heard.
In a statement, Mr Bamford said he still suffered from nerve damage in his cheek, had been forced to take time off work and felt he could no longer coach football.
He said: “Prior to the assault, I was in good health and didn’t have problems with my jaw. Since the assault, I suffered serious pain. However, my overwhelming concern was for my children and other children witnessing such violent behaviour in a sports ground.”
Mr Bamford said he was fearful of leaving the house because he was embarrassed of his injury, which may need further treatment, including dental surgery, in the future.
Stuart Graham, defending, said Coote was a hardworking family man who had been left “totally destroyed” by his behaviour.
He added: “He is not a thug who has got drunk and committed thuggery in the centre of town one night. He’s extremely embarrassed. He’s gone to the doctors and he’s taking medication. He’s lost weight.”
In a letter to the judge, which Coote read to the court, he told of his remorse and how “deeply sorry” he was for his actions.
As well as being banned from junior football tournaments, Coote was also ordered to pay £1,500 compensation.
He was also made subject of a restraining order, banning him from contacting his victim or attending any game he knew Mr Bamford’s son may be playing.