Goodison Park Everton
Stephen Allinson, a 65-year-old resident of Royal Oak Lane in Pirton, Hertfordshire, stood before Liverpool Crown Court to face charges of attempted theft and criminal damage. The charges stemmed from an incident on May 3, when Everton hosted Ipswich Town in one of the historic ground’s final men’s games. Allinson, dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and blue tie, appeared in court to deny both counts against him.
Iain Criddle, prosecuting, said: “trying to take seats from Goodison Park at one of the last games of the season as a memento.”
Judge Neil Flewitt KC remarked: “presumably didn’t want to pay £90 that the club was charging.”
Jonathan Duffy, defending Allinson, stated: “tried to remove an entire row of seats by removing bolts from the framework.”
Mr. Criddle commented: “It is a rather daft thing for a 65-year-old man to find himself in a crown court for. They are happy with that as a resolution, and the prosecution is happy with that as a resolution. The defendant has now been banned from the new stadium until at least the end of the season.”
Judge Flewitt quipped: “may or may not be a punishment.”
Mr. Criddle added: “The prosecution do not intend to proceed. I submit that there is evidence on which he could have been convicted. The prosecution would say that this showed him attempting to remove seats and causing damage. I am going to direct that not guilty verdicts be recorded in this case. Mr. Allinson, you are free to go.”
The incident occurred during a significant moment for Goodison Park, as it was hosting one of its last men’s games. The alleged attempt to take seats as souvenirs was seen as a misguided act by Allinson, which led to his court appearance. Despite the charges, the prosecution decided not to proceed further, resulting in a not guilty verdict. Allinson was subsequently banned from the new stadium until the end of the season, a decision humorously noted by the judge as potentially not being a severe punishment. The case concluded with Allinson being free to leave, having been cleared of all charges.
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