In a decisive move by Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, Bradley Prior, a football fan from Brentwood, has been handed an eight-year ban from attending football matches.
This follows his assault on police officers after a match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
38-year-old Bradley Prior from Brentwood has been given an eight-year football banning order. This punishment follows his violent conduct after an Arsenal vs Liverpool match at the Emirates Stadium.
The court was told of the events that transpired on March 16, 2022, where officers, post-match, encountered an unruly Prior. He was behaving aggressively towards Liverpool fans and ignored several warnings from the police to desist. The situation escalated when Prior threw a beer at a female officer, lashed out at the police, and damaged a police radio.
During the confrontation, Prior’s actions led to an officer sustaining injuries to her legs and hands. Following this, he was arrested and later released on bail. Charges were pressed against him in October 2023.
On January 2, Prior was sentenced to eight weeks of imprisonment, suspended for a year. He was also ordered to pay £200 in compensation and £300 in costs. The most significant part of his sentencing is the Football Banning Order, which prevents him from attending any football matches for eight years.
PC Jack Muscatt of the Central Football Unit commented on the case, stating, “Prior was extremely violent and aggressive on arrest and continued to abuse Liverpool fans leaving the stadium. We’re very happy that he has been given a Football Banning Order. It’s crucial that everyone can enjoy football matches without fear of disruption from individuals like Prior. This should serve as a deterrent to those intent on causing trouble.”
District Judge Mr Brennan praised the officers for their professionalism in the face of violence. “Thank you for your actions on the day. Many officers might have let such behaviour go unchallenged. Your and your colleague’s composure while dealing with Mr Prior, who was notably violent, was commendable.”