Liverpool sees series of high-profile criminal cases involving hate crimes and ticket fraud
Three men have been sentenced for their involvement in hate speech, abusive behaviour, and selling fake football tickets.
Steven Dodd pleaded guilty to posting malicious communications. He was sentenced for posting homophobic and discriminatory tweets, receiving a three-year football banning order, a 12-month community order, and fines.
John Gill admitted to fraud after selling fake tickets outside Anfield Stadium. He was jailed for 17 weeks.
Barnaby Dodsworth was convicted of using threatening and abusive language during a Liverpool vs. Sheffield United game at Anfield. He was found to have shouted homophobic slurs at the match, resulting in a three-year football banning order.
The offences
Malicious Communications
Malicious communications refer to the act of sending messages—whether written, electronic, or verbal—with the intent to cause distress or anxiety to the recipient. This behaviour is addressed under the UK's Malicious Communications Act 1988.
In relation to football, such offenses often involve fans engaging in the transmission of harmful messages.
Fraud
Fraud involving counterfeit football tickets is a significant issue in the UK, involving substantial financial losses.
Football clubs are implementing measures to prevent ticket fraud, including monitoring and penalizing unauthorized resales.
Threatening and abusive language
The use of threatening and abusive language is a criminal offense addressed by specific legislation.
The primary statutes governing such offenses include:
Football (Offences) Act 1991: This Act prohibits indecent or racist chanting and the use of threatening or abusive language likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress within football grounds
Public Order Act 1986: Section 5 of this Act makes it an offense to use threatening or abusive words or behaviour, or to display any threatening or abusive writing, sign, or visible representation, within the hearing or sight of someone likely to be caused harassment, alarm, or distress.
Sentences
Football-related malicious communications, fraud, and the use of threatening or abusive language are subject to legal penalties. The severity of the sentence depends on factors like the nature of the offense, the offender's intent, and any previous criminal history.
Malicious Communications
The Malicious Communications Act 1988 criminalises the sending of communications intended to cause distress or anxiety. Convictions under this act can result in imprisonment for up to two years and/or a fine.
Fraud
Fraud, including the sale of counterfeit football tickets, is prosecuted under the Fraud Act 2006. Sentences for fraud can vary widely based on the scale and impact of the offense. Penalties can include imprisonment and fines, with more severe cases leading to longer custodial sentences.
Threatening and Abusive Language
The use of threatening or abusive language at football matches is addressed under the Public Order Act 1986 and the Football (Offences) Act 1991. Offenses such as indecent or racist chanting, or using threatening language, can result in fines.
Additionally, football banning orders may be imposed to prevent individuals from attending matches for a specified period.
https://www.merseyside.police.uk/news/merseyside/news/2024/october/three-men-sentenced-for-hate-crime-and-selling-football-fake-tickets/