Two Irish Manchester United fans taken to court for throwing paper streamers were let off with a warning yesterday, as an angry father accused England's police and crown prosecution service of wasting time and money.
Students Kevin Ryan (18) and Brian Gillespie (20) threw unfurling till receipt rolls to celebrate a goal at Old Trafford.
They were charged with throwing missiles on or towards the playing area and faced a maximum penalty of £1,000 (€1,516) fines and a ban from football games, if convicted. But a hearing at Manchester's Trafford Magistrates Court yesterday let the pair off with a warning.
Kevin Ryan, of Ardmore Road, Highfield Park, Galway, and Brian Gillespie, of Saimer Drive, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, were bound over to keep the peace for 12 months, on pain of a £100 fine.
The pair's lawyer Hayden Jones said they were "relieved" last night after suffering sleepless nights since their arrest during the United versus Aston Villa match on January 7th. Mr Jones said law student Brian Gillespie had a weight off his mind, as a conviction would have been a major barrier to his chosen career.
The students celebrated the verdict by taking a behind-the-scenes tour of United's stadium, the scene of their offence.
But Mr Gillespie's father Charlie criticised the police and CPS for pursuing the case. "Police resources could be better spent and I'm sure the police would think that too," he said.
"The legislation is there to protect people from throwing objects like coins, which can really hurt. Common sense has to prevail when it's two youngsters throwing paper streamers in excitement." - ( Reuters)