GRIMSBY TOWN supporter Kenneth Meech has been convicted of assaulting a football steward – with an inflatable shark!
Meech, 51, was watching his side win 3-1 at Barnet's Hive ground on Saturday, February 21 thanks to two late goals when the incident occurred.
Willesden Magistrates' Court heard how Meech, from Cleethorpes, assaulted Barnet steward Cgagi Gladyng as he celebrated the victory.
Meech denied a charge of common assault but he was found guilty and given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £700 in costs, compensation of £100 and a victim surcharge.
Steward Gladyng, 59, told the court he was hurt by the inflatable which was being waved around “like an axe” and that the blows to his head were “like being hit by a roll of paper”.
Speaking after the sentencing, Meech claimed the prosecution was a “waste of the taxpayer's money”.
“I'm a bit deflated, to be honest,” he said. “Very surprised and shocked by the verdict, but got to respect what the court has said.
“I think if this didn't happen at football I wouldn't be here today, I'm sure of that.”
