Bolton teenager not banned from football after public order offence dropped

Charlie Gibson, who was at the derby match on October 16 last year, faced the prospect of being banned from games after he was wrongly accused of being involved in public disorder.

Several fans were ejected from the stands and missiles thrown onto the pitch at the University of Bolton Stadium during the troubled match, which kicked off at 3pm and was won by the visitors in a thumping 4-0 victory.

Gibson was one of the Bolton supporters who were cordoned off in order to prevent disorder following match near the railway station on Trinity Street back in the town centre.

While he was in this area Gibson damaged a wing mirror of a red Mercedes.

Bolton Magistrates' Court heard the 18-year-old admitted criminal damage and cooperated with police officers when arrested, but faced the prospect of being charged with the more serious offence of public disorder.

Police then considered pursuing a football banning order against the teenager.

The move would have led to him being banned from going to football matches across the country for three years.

However, prosecutors accepted he had not been involved in public disorder and dropped the application for a banning order.

Gibson, of Bradford Road, Farnworth, appeared in court to be dealt with solely for criminal damage.

Ann Deakin, prosecuting, said the costs of the wing mirror was just £12.

Craig Morris, defending, said: “He is a young man who has just done something that is completely out of character.

“You will never see this man again, he will never come before the court.

“He has never been in trouble before.

“He is in full time work, he very much regrets what happened.

“He just did a very foolish thing in the company of other people.”

Chair of the bench Lindsay Charidemou said: “We are a bit disappointed in you.

“Somebody has to support Bolton Wanderers, just behave next time.”

She ordered him to pay costs of £85 and compensation of £12 to the owner of the vehicle.

She