Men Fined Over POSH v CUFC Disorder

Three men have been fined in connection with disorder between fans at a football match between Peterborough United and Cambridge United last year.

To date, 47 people have been identified and interviewed as part of the investigation following the game at the Weston Homes Stadium in London Road, Peterborough, on 29 October.

Police have charged a total of 22 people, all except one of whom have been charged with either a section 4 or section 5 public order offence – namely using threatening words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of violence.

On Friday (10 March), Michael Johnson, 28, of Hammonds Drive, Fengate, Peterborough, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court where he admitted using threatening words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of violence – a section 4 public order offence.

He was fined £692 and must also pay £85 in court costs and a £277 victim surcharge.

Liam Hanlon, 43, of Belsize Avenue, Woodston, Peterborough, appeared at the same court on Friday where he admitted using threatening words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress – a section 5 public order offence.

He was fined £333 and must also pay £85 in court costs and a £133 victim surcharge.

Mark Watson, 35, of Woodward Drive, Gunthorpe, Peterborough, appeared at the same court on Wednesday (8 March) where he admitted a section 5 public order offence. He was fined £191 and must also pay £85 in court costs and a £76 victim surcharge.

Seven people are due to appear in court on Friday (17 March) and a further eight on Thursday, 23 March.

Four other people have already been sentenced for public order offences and criminal damage.

Inspector Shish Thind, who is leading the investigation, said: “This has been a lengthy and complex investigation which has involved identifying numerous people, countless interviews and we are now at the stage where we have been able to take next steps in terms of charges, however the investigation is not over yet.

“With the support of both clubs, our investigation is progressing and we will take action against anyone identified as committing criminal offences, and will work with clubs to secure banning orders where appropriate.

“The majority of Cambridge United and Peterborough United supporters behaved responsibly at the match, however, there were a small number of fans who chose to behave in a wholly unacceptable way, and this behaviour has been condemned by both clubs.”