Summary
Our client was found to be in possession of cocaine while entering a football ground. He was later charged with possession of class A drugs, to which he pleaded guilty. The Police wanted to impose a football banning order (FBO) on our client. However, thanks to the lead at Lawtons, led by Managing Partner Stephen Halloran, no FBO was imposed.
Details of the Incident
Our client was attending the Brentford v Liverpool match at the Gtech Community Stadium when he was found with cocaine in his possession. Our client accepted being in possession of the drugs but asserted he had no intention of taking them.
He also denied the Police’s suggestion that he had tried concealing the cocaine in his sleeve. He asserted that the drugs were given to him by a friend and, having never taken cocaine before, was intending to get rid of it before entering the football grounds.
Managing Director Stephen Halloran represented our client in this matter on a privately funded basis. Our client decided to instruct Lawtons based on our extensive experience in defending cases of this nature.
Stephen informed our client that if he were to plead guilty to the charge, the court would be looking to impose a football banning order (FBO) as part of his sentence. This would prevent our client from attending any football matches for a minimum of three years
Our Defence
Our client was a businessman with no previous convictions or cautions who had been a Liverpool football club supporter all his life. He would regularly attend Liverpool matches and had previously travelled across Europe supporting his team.
He would also often accompany his daughter to football games who was required to attend as part of her studies. Our client was therefore eager to oppose the FBO, as it would have significant impact on both him and his family.
Stephen prepared extensive mitigation ahead of court, where he obtained references asserting our client’s good character and outlined the wider impact that an FBO would have on his family.
Court
Consultant Solicitor Finbarr Cuneen appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates Court to represent our client, where he pleaded guilty to possession of class A drugs.
Finbarr addressed the Magistrates and put forward a plea of mitigation explaining the circumstances of the offence. He asked the Magistrates to consider going outside their guidelines and to impose a conditional discharge rather than a Band A fine as a sentence.
He also made representations opposing the making of an FBO on the basis that it would be excessively harsh in the circumstances of our client’s case and good character.
Ultimately, the Magistrates indicated that they had been persuaded by our mitigation and they agreed to impose a 12-month conditional discharge as a sentence and did not enforce an FBO.
Our client was relieved by this outcome and very grateful to both Stephen and Finbarr for their exceptional legal guidance. Without Lawtons’ help, our client likely would have received a much harsher sentence and would have been excluded from attending football games for a minimum of three years.
Looking for a specialist football banning order defence solicitor?
Are you facing a football banning order? We understand how difficult this can be and the impact it can have on you and your loved ones. At Lawtons, we have extensive experience in all areas of criminal law and are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients. If you need legal advice, please do not hesitate – contact a member of our specialist team today.
