Stockton man issued with three year football banning order.

A Stockton man who appeared at court last week has been issued with a football banning order.

Declan Jones, 33, of Babbage Gardens was being dealt with for racially aggravated malicious communications after posting a highly offensive post referring to a particular player in a Merseyside derby game early this year.

At Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (18^th June), Jones received a three-year football banning order, a community order and a rehabilitation activity requirement. 

Temporary Chief Superintendent Martin Hopps, Head of Operations for Cleveland Police said: "There is absolutely no place for racial abuse, either online or in person, and anyone who believes they can hide behind their keyboards should think again.

“We condemn the abhorrent behaviour of Jones, and we will ensure that, through our dedicated team of officers, we do everything possible to identify those responsible for such offences and bring them to justice.

“Under the stipulations of the order, Jones will now be unable to enter any premises for the purpose of attending football matches throughout the UK for the next three years.

“I sincerely hope that this – and the community order and rehabilitation activity he must also undertake - will ensure he reflects on his behaviour, learns from it and changes his ways.

“As a force, we continue to work with football clubs and other associated partners to ensure that the game and the environment surrounding it - whether physical or online - remains a safe, enjoyable and welcoming space for all.”