A MAN has been sentenced for football-related offences in Reading.
Joe Faithfull, 26 and of Madeira Road, Portsmouth, was handed a three-year football ban after he pleaded guilty to possession of a firework or flare at a sporting event in a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, February 28.
He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £66, costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service, and a further fine of £166.
It follows an incident at the football fixture between Reading FC and Portsmouth FC at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on October 28 last year.
Faithfull was arrested the same day, and subsequently charged on 22 January.
Investigating officer PC Russ Irwin said: “I welcome the court imposing this banning order following the offence and hope that it acts as a strong deterrent for anyone who participates in such behaviour.
“This sentence demonstrates that police will deal robustly with those who commit crime at football matches, and we will always seek a sentence through the courts.
“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.”
