Man charged over hearse driven on football pitch
The hearse was left abandoned on the pitch in Gateshead
- Published
A man has been charged with criminal damage after a hearse was driven on to a football pitch during a match.
The hearse and a Subaru car were driven on to the pitch during half-time at a match in Gateshead in July last year.
Those inside then threw leaflets on to the pitch before abandoning the hearse and driving off in the Subaru.
Northumbria Police said a 29-year-old man has been charged with one count of causing criminal damage.
The incident took place at the ground of Dunston UTS on Wellington Road on 21 July 2023, during a game against Gateshead.
No-one was reported to have been threatened or injured during the incident.
Northumbria Police launched an investigation and 12 people were arrested.
The 29-year-old man is due to appear before magistrates in South Tyneside later this month, charged with one count of causing criminal damage and a public order offence.
Two men, aged 41 and 49, remain under investigation while another two men, aged 42 and 40, remain on police bail.
Seven other men arrested in connection with the incident will face no further action.
Follow BBC North East on X (formerly Twitter), external, Facebook, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.