A 16-year-old boy from Hove has been hit with a hefty sentence after being caught with a stash of weapons and fake ID at a Brighton football match.
Teen Caught Red-Handed with Weapons and Fake Docs
The unnamed youngster appeared at Worthing Youth Court on February 3, admitting four serious charges. These included possession of a knuckle duster, a lock-knife, an adult flare firework, and fraudulent items—a false driving licence and citizen card.
Police stopped him and a group of football fans on Queens Road, Brighton, at 5.30pm on January 14. When officers tried to search him, the boy tried to flee but was quickly arrested and taken into custody.
Youth Gets Football Banning Order and More
At court, he was slapped with a Youth Referral Order, £40 costs, and a £22 victim surcharge. All the illegal items were confiscated and destroyed under a Deprivation Order. On top of that, he received a three-year Football Banning Order, barring him from attending matches both in the UK and abroad.
Police Crack Down on Football Violence
“This boy was swiftly arrested by officers before he could cause any harm,” said PC Darren Balkham, Sussex Police’s dedicated football officer.
“The football banning order severely restricts his ability to attend football matches nationally and internationally. This conviction shows we won’t tolerate disorder linked to football and sends a clear message that violence at matches won’t be allowed.”
Strict Restrictions Under the Football Banning Order
- Prohibited from attending any regulated football match under the Football Spectators Act.
- Must surrender all travel documents, including passports and ID cards, as ordered.
- Forbidden from entering the town or city where any England senior men’s team game takes place, from eight hours before kick-off until eight hours after the final whistle.
- Required to notify authorities of any name or address changes.
The tough measures aim to keep football grounds safe and ensure young fans don’t get involved in crime or violence.
