Smoke bomber banned from attending football games for three years

Mar 18 2010 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A FOOTBALL fan who let off a smoke bomb at a Hamilton Accies match was this week banned from attending football matches for three years.

Motherwell FC fanatic Duncan McKinnon (18), was also ordered to carry out 175 hours’ community service over the next 12 months.

Last month, the Advertiser reported how McKinnon set off the device during the first half of a stalemate match between Hamilton Accies and Motherwell.

As smoke covered part of the away stand at New Douglas Park, spectators rushed to avoid the large plume, prompting safety fears among Hamilton officials.

The incident happened 25 minutes into Accies’ goal-less draw against the Fir Park side on February 13, but did not disrupt play.

However, according to Accies club officials, one ’Well fan suffered a minor injury as a result.

At Hamilton Sheriff Court on Monday, McKinnon – of Bruce Avenue, Motherwell – heard his fate after he earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of committing a breach of the peace by igniting the smoke bomb in the football ground.

The teenager also pleaded guilty to a second charge of committing fraud by using his ex-girlfriend Jennifer Hyatt’s Amazon account without her permission on February 27 – exactly two weeks after the smoke bomb incident.

The yob used Ms Hyatt’s account information to purchase a Bible, a DVD boxset, a CD and a music download, all of which were sent to his ex’s address.

The total cost was £35.73.

Fiscal depute Lynn Barker told the court that McKinnon, who is unemployed, had also ordered a brand new PlayStation 3 games console, but cancelled the order after getting cold feet.

Defence solicitor Paolo Martone, of Nicholas J. Scullion and Co, suggested the fraud offence was borne of immaturity and childishness, and was intended to cause annoyance to McKinnon’s ex-girlfriend.

However, addressing the smoke bomb offence, Mr Martone told the court that his client was easily led and egged on to set off the device by fellow fans.

He also told Sheriff John Miller that McKinnon was in a serious road accident five years ago, and spent four weeks in intensive care.

His mother subsequently believes, said Mr Martone, that the injuries he received may explain his behavioural issues.

Mr Martone argued that a football banning order would have been unneccessary, as his client was already banned from Motherwell’s Fir Park due to previous behaviour.

He also revealed that the 18-year-old spent some time at the club on a work experience placement a number of years ago.

However, Sheriff Miller disagreed and banned the teen – who has previous convictions for breach of the peace – from attending any regulated matches in the UK for three years.

He added that if McKinnon breached the order, he could face up to six months’ detention.

Sheriff Miller said: “This offence is a very serious matter. Your conduct was extremely reckless, and could have easily led to large-scale panic and disorder.

“There were many vulnerable groups present at the match and you gave no thought to their safety.

“I appreciate you have medical difficulties arising from a road accident, however, that in no way excuses your conduct.

“I was actively considering a custodial sentence, but I am able to refrain in this case due to your youth and lack of significant offending.”

Sheriff Miller ordered the accused to complete 175 hours’ community service.

McKinnon was also fined £175 for the separate fraud offence, which he committed while on bail.

The Motherwell-daft yob boasts of his commitment to the club on his Bebo page, and is seen pictured with captain Stephen Craigan at a charity function.

McKinnon also sponsored the away of shirt of former Motherwell player Steven McGarry.