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Grimsby Town inflatable shark attack fan convicted Grimsby Town inflatable shark attack fan convicted
(about 2 hours later)
A Grimsby Town fan has been found guilty of assaulting a football steward with an inflatable shark.A Grimsby Town fan has been found guilty of assaulting a football steward with an inflatable shark.
Kenneth Meech, 51, of Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes, watched his club win 3-1 at Barnet in a Conference game on 21 February.Kenneth Meech, 51, of Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes, watched his club win 3-1 at Barnet in a Conference game on 21 February.
Willesden Magistrates' Court heard he assaulted Barnet steward Cgagi Gladyng as he celebrated the victory.Willesden Magistrates' Court heard he assaulted Barnet steward Cgagi Gladyng as he celebrated the victory.
Meech, who was among nearly 1,000 fans who travelled to The Hive stadium, denied a charge of common assault.Meech, who was among nearly 1,000 fans who travelled to The Hive stadium, denied a charge of common assault.
Speaking to the BBC in February, Meech admitted he and other Grimsby fans had taken inflatable objects to the game "in support" of another fan Bryan Winship. Mr Gladyng, 59, told the court he was hurt by the inflatable which was being waved "like an axe" and described the three blows to his head "as like being hit by a roll of paper".
Mr Winship was ejected in an apparent headlock by a steward at Forest Green Rovers in a row over a giant inflatable football. He said he became frightened as the Grimsby Town fans surged towards the pitch.
Meech said: "A lot of lads were saying 'come on, let's get together and support Bryan' by taking as many inflatables as possible to Barnet and that's what we did, because we've got a good sense of humour, us Grimsby fans. 'A bit deflated'
"We were jumping about amongst each other, as you do, you know, celebrating, as you do, and before I knew it - I was shocked really - I was grabbed out by the police and taken away." Meech was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £700 in costs, compensation of £100 and a victim surcharge.
He was not made the subject of a football banning order.
Speaking after the sentencing, he claimed the prosecution was a "waste of the taxpayer's money".
"I'm a bit deflated, to be honest," he said.
"Very surprised and shocked by the verdict, but got to respect what the court has said.
"I think if this didn't happen at football I wouldn't be here today, I'm sure of that."