Bradley Prior (credit: Met Police)
Bradley Prior was convicted of assault on an emergency worker and criminal damage carried out after the Arsenal v Liverpool game on Wednesday, 16 March 2022.
The 38-year-old was being rude and confrontational towards Liverpool fans when officers patrolling the Stadium’s vicinity came across him.
Prior was warned 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.
Prior was charged in October last year and 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.”
Tags: Essex Police, Brentwood
