Woman given football ban after supplying drugs at match

Claire Brooks pleaded guilty to supplying Class A drugs

A woman has been banned from football games for eight years and was given a 30-month custodial sentence after pleading guilty to supplying Class A drugs at a match.

Claire Brooks, 52, of Sheldrake Drive, Stapleton, was arrested at Bristol Rovers' Memorial Stadium in Horfield in April 2023.

When she was searched, a quantity of white powder was found and evidence of her involvement in the supply of Class A drugs was uncovered during a subsequent search of her home.

Brooks was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on 11 June.

PC Mark Neal, a dedicated football officer, said: "Drugs are a blight on our communities and have no place in our society, including at football.

"I would like to thank Bristol Rovers for their support and cooperation during this investigation.

“The custodial sentence is one that reflects the seriousness of her offending, and the recent change in legislation in relation to possession or supply of Class A Drugs such as cocaine allows a football banning order to be issued.

"We work closely with our clubs to make sure our football matches are a safe environment for all and I would encourage people to report suspicious behaviour to us."