Fan caused disturbance at Kidderminster Harriers National League game

Stephen James, of Severn Road, Halesowen, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, (September 5). 

The 41-year-old admitted the public order offence of using threatening/abusive words/behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and the offence of being drunk in a sports ground. 

Owen Beale, prosecuting, said in admitting the offences James was also in breach of a suspended sentence order - 16 weeks jail suspended for 24 months - handed to him for a domestic violence assault in May last year.

CASE: Stephen James pictured leaving Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

Mr Beale said James had attended the Kidderminster v Bromley National League match at Harriers' Aggborough Stadium on August 19. 

He said stewards and police became aware of a disturbance in the ground's North Stand, which included pushing and shoving. 

The prosecutor said James had left the stand and gone to the stadium concourse - where officers witnessed James swinging his arms and shouting "Come on" at another man. 

The court heard James' behaviour could have escalated disorder in the ground which had led the prosecution to apply for an order banning the defendant from matches. 

John Rogers, defending James, said: "He has been a supporter of Kidderminster since he was six years old. 

"He has never had any problems (at matches)."

STADIUM: Kidderminster Harriers' Aggborough Stadium

Mr Rogers explained James had been behind the goal and shouted at fellow supporters to get behind the team. 

"One person in the crowd took exception," Mr Rogers said.

The solicitor said others in the crowd began backing the other man and an offensive chant started which James had not liked and had found "triggering".

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Mr Rogers said the magistrates could take into account that the offence which resulted in him getting the suspended sentence was dissimilar to the recent offences. 

He also highlighted James had made good progress with the probation service during his suspended sentence order. 

CASE: James' case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court

Charles Townsend, chairman of the magistrates bench, said: "You deserve to go to prison today. 

"We have considered everything and found it would be unjust to send you to prison."

For breaching the suspended sentence James was fined £360 while the defendant was also fined £160 for the other two offences, as well as told to pay £128 victim surcharge and costs of £135. 

James was given a three-year football banning order preventing him from attending matches. 

The chairman said they were making that order to protect the public and people who worked at football grounds. 

The match itself ended 0-0, with both sides having a player sent off.