A man has been banned from attending football matches for three years after he tried to headbutt a police officer after a Bristol City match. Patrick Elkins, of Silverhill Road in Henbury, appeared in Bristol Magistrates Court on Thursday, March 30 and pleaded guilty to a public order offence.
Elkins, 33, was abusive to Manchester City fans following Bristol City's FA Cup defeat to the club on Tuesday, February 28. When approached by officers, he made threats towards them before trying to headbutt an officer.
He pleaded guilty to to a public order offence of threatening or abusive behaviour and one count of common assaulting against an emergency worker. Elkins received a three year banning order for his offences, preventing him from attending any match in the UK for the duration of the order.
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The ban also prohibits him from going to certain areas near football stadiums on match days. He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours’ unpaid work and must also pay £200 compensation, £114 victim surcharge and £85 costs.
Dedicated football officer PC Thomas Williams said: “We welcome the court’s decision to issue a football banning order following this incident. We are committed to working with all our football clubs and sports teams to ensure supporters can enjoy games without fearing for their safety.
“It is important to recognise however this FA Cup tie was played out in front of a full house with more than 25,000 fans in attendance. The irresponsible actions of one man should not overshadow the good behaviour of the overwhelming majority of supporters who contributed to a terrific atmosphere both inside and outside the ground.”
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