A football fan who complained that his magistrates court trial showed him in a bad light has appeared in court for a second time – after visiting the Derbyshire Times offices to complain.

Simon Lloyd confronted a reporter because he took exception to a “hooligan” tag contained in the headline to his original case.

Lloyd was banned from football matches in October 2000 at Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court, and the Derbyshire Times ran the story.

Its headline read: “Football hooligans in court”.

The paper reported this week that Lloyd subsequently went to the news offices and asked to see the reporter who had covered the case. He was told by the reporter that the paper was within its rights.

The court was told the reporter was confronted and abused by Lloyd.

It heard how Lloyd had felt it was wrong the defendants should be identified until the case had concluded and pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing fear or provocation of violence.

The charge was reduced to a public order offence of using abusive language, to which he pleaded guilty.

He was given a one year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £80 costs.

His banning order from the football ground is currently being contested.

Do you have a story for us?
Ring the HoldTheFrontPage newsdesk on
01332 291111 x6022, or to e-mail us now – click here