Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A judge has praised the composure of two officers who arrested a man who attacked them at a football match at the Emirates Stadium.
Bradley Prior, 38 (01.12.86) of Brentwood, CM13, has been issued with an eight-year Football Banning Order after he was convicted of assault on an emergency worker and criminal damage.
Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court heard officers were patrolling post match in the vicinity of the Emirates Stadium after the Arsenal v Liverpool game on 16 March 2022 when they came across Prior, who was being rude and confrontational towards Liverpool fans.
Officers warned him a number of times to stop but he refused. He then threw a beer at a female officer and lashed out at officers as they arrested him. He also damaged a police radio.
An officer sustained grazes to her legs and hands during the struggle to arrest Prior.
He was arrested and taken into custody before being released on bail.
He was charged in October 2023.
On Tuesday, 2 January, Prior was given a sentence of eight weeks imprisonment, suspended for one year, and ordered to pay compensation of £200 and costs of £300.
He was also handed a Football Banning Order for eight years, meaning he cannot attend a football match in that time.
Football Banning Officer PC Jack Muscatt, Central Football Unit, said: “Prior was warned a number of times to stop abusing the Liverpool fans, who were just trying to make their way from the stadium without incident, and was extremely violent and aggressive on arrest.
“We’re very happy that he has been given an FBO. Everyone should be able to go to watch the football without fear of people like Prior ruining the occasion. It should be an example for anyone intent on causing trouble that we will pursue these kinds of punishments.”
Commending the arresting officers, District Judge Mr Brennan said: “Thank you for your actions on the day, so many officers would allow behaviour like this to continue and not properly challenge fans. You and your colleagues composure whilst dealing with Mr Prior was commendable as he was particularly violent throughout.”