Everton fan given football ban after throwing glass bottle at police officer

It happened before last October's Merseyside derby

Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 7th Oct 2024

An Everton fan has been banned from football games for five years and given a suspended jail sentence after throwing a glass bottle at a police officer.

Ben O'Meara, 25 and from Prescot, admitted throwing the bottle while walking along 97th Avenue on 21 October 2023.

It hit a police officer in the face, causing injury to his face and mouth, and leaving him "shaken".

O'Meara has been banned from games for five years, given a 26 week jail sentence suspended for 18 months, 20 days rehabilitation, 200 hours of unpaid work and a fine.

Merseyside Police said: “The police officer suffered a deep cut to his upper lip and was shaken by the incident.

"He was on duty to ensure that all match-goers were able to enjoy the game safely so to be assaulted in such a manner when he was simply doing his job is shocking.

“Our police officers understand the risks of the job, but they should never have to tolerate violence against them when they are simply attempting to carry out their duties.

“This type of behaviour has no place in football and I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted.”

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