AN ENGLISH soccer supporter who "stupidly" took part in a row during the riot at a soccer match at Lansdowne Road has been freed under the Probation Act by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Judge Cyril Kelly was told Terence Edward Hosking was not involved with those who orchestrated the riot at the abandoned Republic of Ireland versus England soccer friendly on February 15th, 1995.
Hosking (32), of Sandgate, Kendal, in Cumbria, admitted assaulting Mr Christopher Duffy, occasioning him actual bodily harm.
The court was told Mr Duffy was an unofficial steward who suffered a small cut from a blow but was able to resume work shortly after the assault.
Judge Kelly said that from the evidence in the case and from his own knowledge of the matter, having viewed a video of the riot, he would place Hosking's culpability in the minor category of offences. "I will refrain from commenting on the wisdom of putting English supporters on the Upper West Stand for that game," he added.
He said it was obvious Hosking was not one of the people who planned the trouble. He had gone on to the pitch for safety from the Lower West Stand with many genuine Irish and English fans when debris was showered on them from above and "stupidly and out of character" went to the assistance of a compatriot who was involved in an altercation.
"He admitted his offence from the start, agreed to extradition and spent 11 days in custody in Mountjoy in fear of his life. In my view he has had sufficient punishment and I am applying the Probation Act", Judge Kelly added.