Wolves fan gets three year ban for kicking policeman

A lifelong Wolves fan was today starting a three-year ban from attending any matches after lashing out at a police officer following the team's 3-2 defeat to Villa at Molineux last month.

Philip Austin, aged 43, kicked a police officer outside the ground after being taunted by Villa fans, Wolverhampton Magistrates Court heard yesterday.

HGV driver Austin, of Bream Close, Wednesfield, admitted causing an inch-long graze on the officer's shin.

District judge Michael Wheeler handed him a 12 month community order, including 120 hours community service, as well as the three-year football banning order.

He also ordered him to pay the injured officer £250 compensation plus £85 costs.

"I consider the banning order necessary to ensure that good order is maintained," he said.

"He has shown himself as someone who gets wound up by opposing fans."

He said he accepted that the incident was "somewhat out of character" for Austin, who had never been arrested before the game, on January 21.

Mrs Maggie Meakin, prosecuting, said the officer had been stood outside Molineux after the match when he saw Austin coming towards him with a "fixed angry stare and gritted teeth."

Austin then kicked his right shin.

"Other officers witnessed this assault," she said.

"He stated in interview that he had just left the football ground, his team had just lost, and emotions were running high.

"Several Villa fans were making derogatory comments. He said he felt a kick to his ankle and kicked out at anyone – he said he did not realise the officer was there."

In defence, Mr Umar Madni said Austin - who had been a Wolves fan for around 35 years – had never been involved in any hooliganism or violence before.

"He does apologise for his actions," he said.

"He was walking outside the ground when there was a verbal alteration, during which he was kicked. He lost control and kicked out at anyone – it was not intentional that he kicked that specific officer."