A teenager has been banned from attending all Carlisle United matches for the next three years after setting off a firecracker in a Brunton Park stand during a game.
The 15-year-old boy was attending his first game at the stadium as United took on Leyton Orient in a League One encounter on Saturday October 14.
Carlisle Youth Court heard today how, during the first half, the teen set off a firecracker within the Warwick Road end stand, lighting it and throwing it on the floor amongst other supporters before running off.
“The firecracker subsequently went off, making a bright flash and loud explosive sound,” said prosecutor George Shelley. This caused distress to other supporters in the immediate area — including children — and also around the ground.
When interviewed about the incident two weeks later, the youth made full admissions about his wrongdoing. And in court today, he admitted possessing a firework at a sporting event and a public order offence.
On behalf of the police, Mr Shelley formally asked for the youth to be given a football banning order.
A solicitor representing the boy — said to have a number of mental health issues — told the court this was not opposed.
District judge John Temperley said to the youth: “When you were interviewed by police about this matter, setting off a firecracker, you said you had done it for a laugh. Six months down the line, do you still think it is funny?”
“No,” replied the teenager.
“It clearly wasn’t, was it?” said the judge. “For a start, you could have injured someone else. You could have injured yourself. Even without injuries — which there weren’t — it does appear you have caused alarm to people.”
The order was made for three years. Under strict conditions, the teen will be banned from attending all regulated football matches — including Carlisle United’s — during that time, and must not enter a designated area around stadiums either five hours before matches or five hours afterwards. There are additional restrictions.
The boy was also made subject to a referral order for four months. During this time he will undergo work with youth justice team members in a bid to keep him out of trouble.
