Incident took place at Milton Keynes station
An AFC Wimbledon fan has been ordered to do 60 hours of community service after admitting assaulting a 16-year-old MK Dons supporter.
Darren Rowland, aged 48, of Vernon Drive, Caterham, has also been banned from attending AFC Wimbledon matches by the club, after admitting assaulting the MK Dons fan.
At a hearing at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 3 September, Rowland pleaded guilty to the assault at Milton Keynes station on Saturday, 25 April.
The court heard Rowland, an AFC Wimbledon fan, had leaned out of a stationary train and hit the young victim in the face as he travelled home from a match in Bury.
The youngster, who was returning from MK Dons’ match against Rochdale, had been on the same train and was walking along the platform when he was attacked.
A witness to the assault was able to snap a photo of Rowland, the court was told.
The assault was reported and the image passed to British Transport Police officers, who met the train at Euston and arrested Rowland.
Speaking after sentencing, PC Aron Roden said: "This was an unprovoked attack on a young football fan who was badly shaken up by events.
"I would like to commend the victim for reporting the incident and AFC Wimbledon for taking the decision to ban Rowland from their matches. I hope this result sends out a clear message that such thuggery will not be tolerated."
Erik Samuelson, Chief Executive of AFC Wimbledon, added: "Our club has banned Mr Rowland indefinitely.
"Thankfully for a club which is well-known for its family-friendly environment, this sort of event is rare – as is made clear by the most recently published Home Office statistics."
September 9, 2015