A MAIDENHEAD man has been sentenced to a football ban after he was convicted of running onto the pitch during a football match.
William Cullum, aged 19 and of All Saints Avenue, was handed a three-year ban from attending regulated football matches after pleading guilty to going onto the playing area.
He was also ordered to pay legal costs and a victim surcharge of £111.
He submitted his plea at Reading Magistrates Court on Wednesday, January 31, and was sentenced at the same hearing.
It follows an incident of pitch invasion at the Reading FC match against Ipswich Town on August 29 last year, which took place at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, where Cullum entered the playing field.
Football banning orders help prevent violence or disorder in connection with football games, preventing the person from attending any football match in the UK.
There are also some regulation games outside of the UK which they will be banned from, as well as being required to attend a police station to surrender documents if instructed to do so.
Dedicated Football Officer, PC Steve Mountain, said: “I welcome the court imposing this banning order on Cullum following his actions last August.
“These orders not only restrict supporters convicted of football-related offences watching the team they follow but apply to all regulated football matches in the United Kingdom and some international matches and tournaments as well.
“Football matches should be a safe place for all people and Thames Valley Police will always deal with incidents at football matches seriously and apply for Football Banning Orders where appropriate.”
