Ipswich: No football banning order for Fulham fan who brawled in Isaac’s on the Quay before season opener
Scales of Justice - Credit: PA
A Fulham fan has escaped being banned from going to football matches after a brawl at a waterfront bar in Ipswich.
James Morris had come to the town on the first day of the season to watch Ipswich Town play Fulham.
However he was arrested before the evening kick-off on August 9 after getting into a fight in Isaac’s on the Quay.
Morris had pleaded guilty at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court to using threatening behaviour and possession of cocaine at a previous hearing on August 27 which was adjourned.
Lucy Miller, prosecuting, said CCTV showed Morris with friend and fellow fan Jamie Thorpe in Isaac’s and that the two had slapped each other.
Morris was taken away by bouncers but was seen returned to punch Mr Thorpe in the ribs. When searched by police cocaine was found in his possession.
Representing himself, Morris said Mr Thorpe was a long-time friend who had been in a relationship with Morris’ sister in the past. He said Mr Thorpe was saying things of a sexual nature about his sister and had been asked to stop before the fight.
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Morris also produced an email from Mr Thorpe saying they had been friends for many years and there was no ill-feeling.
An application for a football banning order was made against Morris by police but this was refused by magistrates because they did not feel the offence was related to football. He was fined £415 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £25 victim surcharge.
