Man banned from football for Reading FC pitch invasion
It happened in the game against Swindon
A man from Basingstoke has been sentenced for football-related offences in Reading.
Christopher Taylor, aged 43, of Oakenshaw Reach, Rooksdown, was given a three-year football banning order after he pleaded guilty to going on to the playing area at a football match in a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (27/2).
Football banning orders are made by the courts to help prevent violence or disorder at, or in connection with, regulated football matches. The banning order prevents Taylor from attending any football matches in the United Kingdom.
The Football Banning Order also places restrictions on Taylor attending certain regulated football matches outside of the United Kingdom with a requirement to attend a police station to surrender travel documents when instructed to do so as well as a requirement to notify the police of any change in name or address. Failure to obey the order carries a sentence of up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine for each offence.
Taylor was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £32 and a fine of £80.
The sentence relates to an incident at the Reading FC match against Swindon Town on 10 October last year at the Select Car Leasing Stadium where Taylor entered the playing field.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Bryan Groves, said:
“We are very pleased with this sentence and hope that it acts as a strong deterrent for anyone who participates in such behaviour.
“This type of offence can have an impact on the thousands of people who attend football matches on a regular basis and enjoy themselves responsibly with friends and family.
“Thames Valley Police is committed to helping the clubs in our force area to keep those who commit crime away from the grounds, to ensure that supporters can enjoy the events.”