'˜Crazed' fan punched policewoman in face during football clash
Jordan Barlow, 29, hit a female officer in the face and mouth when rival fans clashed outside Carlisle United’s Brunton Park ground on February 11.
Carlisle Magistrates Court was told Barlow, of Gorton Street, was among a group of Pool fans who left the game early at 4pm, together with a group of home fans.
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Hide AdA fight broke out between the two groups of supporters on Warwick Road outside the stadium.
During the fracas, Barlow hit the police officer in the face and had to be dragged to the ground by her fellow officers and pepper sprayed to subdue him.
Barlow pleaded guilty to a charge of the use of threatening behaviour and assault a police constable.
District Judge Gerald Chalk was told a police football spotter had described the “extreme violence” between the two sets of supporters as: “The worst football violence she had seen for over four-years.”
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Hide AdBarlow was described as, having a “crazed look in his eyes” and was drunk.
John Moran, prosecuting, said it was believed that both groups left the match early to have a fight.
Barlow stood out in the group and was heard shouting “come on” and using foul and abusive language.
Blackpool won the game 4- 1
Barlow apologised and said: “Iwould never intentionally hit a female police officer or any woman.”
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Hide AdHe admitted he had drank a lot, and had just got caught up in the clash.
The judge imposed for both offences a community order, and Barlow will be electronically tagged, with a home curfew for 10-weeks between 7pm and 5am.
A football banning order was also imposed for a period of three-years which means he cannot attend any regulated football match, and has to hand his passport into the police at certain times,
He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85 plus £100 in compensation to the police officer.