Football fan cleared of assault outside stadium

A football fan has been cleared of assault by beating after an incident outside a stadium last season.

Graham Riches, 50, of Dyer Close, Horsford, near Norwich, previously admitted obstructing two police officers and possession a class A drug, but denied assault.

The charges related to an incident at Norwich City's Carrow Road ground after the team's 0-0 play-off draw with Leeds United on 12 May.

After being found not guilty of assault by beating after a one-day trial at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court, Riches was fined £891 for the other offences and given a football banning order for three years.

The court heard how a man reported being punched and suffering a cut to his chin thought to be caused by a drink can being thrown at him.

The man was seen by paramedics at the scene and did not require further medical treatment.

Riches had attended the match with his son and told the court he was "concerned about my son's safety" when he saw two men attempting to "headbutt" him.

Prosecutor Paul Roach argued Riches had thrown a "premeditated" and "intentional" punch.

But magistrate Paul Frary told the hearing the man who had been punched had been in an "angry, agitated state" and Riches "did hold an honest belief" that his son was in danger.

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