Boxer fears for his career after Facebook Hillsborough picture
HE GETS COMMUNITY ORDER FOR POSTING PHOTO OF ‘MURDERERS’ BANNER
A YOUNG boxer, who posted a photograph on his Facebook page of a banner on a Salford bridge branding Liverpool fans ‘murderers,’ fears it may have an impact on his career.
Jay Cornforth, 20, was one of two men who posted the image on the social media site
The large banner emblazoned with the word ‘MURDERERS’ next to the date of the Hillsborough disaster was hung from the bridge over the M602 in Salford on March 17 this year.
Liverpool fans were greeted by the slur as they headed to Old Trafford for a Europa League tie second leg.
Both Cornforth and Ainsley Meanock, 24, uploaded a photograph of the banner on their Facebook pages.
Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court heard that Cornforth had used the photograph as his cover photo.
He claimed he did not realise the picture was public and could be seen by anyone other than his friends, who had not been offended by the image.
Meanock, of Millbank Close in Oldham, admitted a public order offence and was handed a community order at Manchester Magistrates Court last week.
He was ordered to carry out 135 hours of unpaid work and pay £300 in costs, plus a £60 victim surcharge.
Cornforth, of Ashton Old Road, Beswick, pleaded guilty to the same charge and was given an identical punishment.
The court heard that Cornforth was concerned about the impact the incident could have on his sporting career.
A probation officer said the defendant had told her anything that could be deemed inappropriate can affect the fan base and promoters.
David Philpott, defending, said Cornforth has no previous convictions and ‘spends most of his time in the gymnasium.’
District Judge John Temperley said there was no evidence to suggest Cornforth had been involved with the banner and the people responsible for the act remain unknown.