Football fan who choked steward given stadium ban

Carl O'Brien was banned from attending any football fixture for three years as a result of his actions at Elland Road

A man who choked a female steward at a Leeds United home match has been given a three-year banning order.

Carl O’Brien, 51, put his hand around the throat of the woman and squeezed as spectators were leaving Elland Road following a match against Nottingham Forest on 4 April, police said.

On Friday at Leeds Crown Court, O’Brien, of Navigation Road, York, was also given a 20-month suspended jail sentence and fined £187.

Ch Supt Russell Hughes said O'Brien had subjected his victim to a "distressing and frightening experience".

Police were contacted after the incident in the south stand which left the steward with minor injuries, with O'Brien later charged with intentional strangulation.

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Ch Supt Hughes said: "Violence of any kind against match stewards is absolutely not tolerated.

"As a result of his actions, O’Brien has now been banned from attending any football fixture."

He added: "People who engage in such behaviour have no place at football grounds in West Yorkshire or anywhere else in the country."

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