A freelance photographer who was arrested while covering a football match for the Nottingham Evening Post has pleaded guilty to a public order offence.

Dan Westwell, (32), was given unconditional bail when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court, and will be sentenced on on April 19.

At an earlier hearing he had pleaded not guilty under section five of the Public Order Act, but has now admitted he “gave the finger” to the directors’ box at Mansfield Town Football Club’s Field Mill ground.

The photographer, who also covers away matches for the Mansfield Chad, had been pitchside during a match on January 20 when he was asked by stewards to leave the ground.

Prosecuting, Robby Singh said Dan was asked to leave because a screensaver on his laptop said “Haslam Out”, referring to the club’s owner, Keith Haslam.

As he left the ground he stuck his middle finger up at the directors’ box and was arrested.

The photographer said he was sorry and ashamed of what he did.

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