Six football fans of Bristol City, Bristol Rovers and Derby County receive banning orders

Six football supporters have been handed banning orders over incidents at games in Bristol over the past season. Two of the men have received a prison sentence.

The incidents were at the Bristol Rovers vs Swindon Town derby on October 2, Bristol City vs Derby County on December 4, Bristol City vs Middlesbrough on February 19 and Bristol Rovers vs Forest Green Rovers on April 23.

The convictions, publicised yesterday (June 15) by Avon and Somerset Police, come amid a rise in disorder at football games toward the close of last season.

Statistics released by the UK football policing unit (UKFPU) show the number of arrests at football games has gone up 47% compared to 2019-20. There has also been a 36% increase in reports of disorder at matches.

Inspector Mark Nicholson said: “Threatening behaviour and actions that could potentially endanger public safety will not be tolerated.

“Thousands of football fans enjoy games across Avon and Somerset without issue every season. I am sure they will welcome the bans handed down by the courts to these six individuals who have acted irresponsibly.”

The convictions are:

Bristol Rovers v Swindon Town – 2 October 2021

William Dinham-Mead, 27, of Badminston Road, Coalpit Heath, wasjailed for 10 weeks today (June 15) after kicking a Swindon Town supporter in the stomach.

Bristol Magistrates’ Court heard today how Dinham-Mead, who pleaded guilty to a public order offence, joined a ‘rabble’ outside the ground following his team’s defeat.

He was also given a six-year football banning order.

A second man from Kingswood, who was aged 17 at the time of the incident, admitted the same charge, was given a five-year football banning order and a 12-month community order, which includes him having to complete 220 hours of unpaid work.

Bristol City v Derby County – 4 December 2021

A man from Derby ran the length of the field in an attempt to incidet home fans at Ashton Gate.

The man, aged 24, appeared in court on Tuesday 31 May and admitted the pitch incursion offence. He received a three-year football banning order and will need to pay £439 by way of a fine and costs.

Bristol City v Middlesbrough – 19 February 2022

A 31-year-old admitted possession of a pyrotechnic after he was caught trying to ignite a smoke device among home supporters after Bristol City scored.

Spencer Pettifor, of Stiling Close in Highbridge, was sentenced on Wednesday 8 June and received a three-year football banning order.

He was also ordered to carry out 80 hours’ unpaid work as part of a 12-month community order and must pay a total of £180 in costs and a fine.

Bristol Rovers v Forest Green Rovers – 23 April 2022

Two supporters dressed as Knights Templars ran on the pitch after the draw at the Memorial Stadium, which saw Forest Green clinch promotion.

The men pleadged guiilty to pitch incursion and one public order charge relating to threatening behavour.

James Mallett, of Moravian Road in Kingswood, was jailed for 10 weeks and ordered to pay a total of £128 in costs and fine.

The 36-year-old also received a 10-year football banning order after magistrates heard he had previously had a six-year ban.

Daniel Athey, of Church Road in Kingswood, received a 18-month community order plus a three-year football banning order.

The 39-year-old also will be required to carry out 220 hours’ community service and pay costs and a fine totalling £280.