Man pleads not guilty over Port Vale incident

Ted Piolunowicz pleaded not guilty to a charge of going on to the playing area at Port Vale

A man accused of going on to the pitch at Port Vale Football Club and running towards the referee during a match has pleaded not guilty in court.

Ted Piolunowicz, of Newshaw Walk, Stoke-on-Trent, was charged with entering the playing area at a football match as well as using threatening behaviour with intent to cause fear or violence.

The charges came after the incident during Port Vale's home game against Portsmouth in January.

In the hearing at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Thursday, the 63-year-old chose to represent himself.

When asked why he pled the way he did, Mr Piolunowicz said "as far as I’m concerned I’m not guilty".

His conditional bail was extended by magistrates.

Mr Piolunowicz will next appear at the justice centre on 9 May for a case management hearing.

As part of his bail conditions, the 63-year-old will not be allowed to attend any football matches within the UK.