Sheffield Wednesday fan who mocked Bradley Lowery with sick jibe is sentenced
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Disgraced Sheffield Wednesday fan Dale Houghton has been sentenced to to 12 weeks’ custody, suspended for 18 months, after he taunted Sunderland supporters with a picture of Bradley Lowery.
He’s also received a five-year football banning order, and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work. He’ll also have to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
The 31-year-old was spotted holding his phone up towards the away end at Hillsborough during the Championship clash back on September 29, which the visitors won 3-0. In October, Houghton pleaded guilty at Sheffield Magistrates' Court to a public order offence.
READ MORE: 'Utterly deplorable' Sheffield Wednesday fan admits mocking Bradley Lowery with sick jibe
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The guilty plea was to an offence of intentionally causing harassment, alarm or distress by displaying any writing, sign or other visible representation, which is threatening, abusive or insulting.
Last month, District Judge James Gould told him: "Your actions are utterly deplorable." The court also heard that Houghton, who tested positive for cocaine following his arrest after the game, had lost his job as a window fitter due to the incident. He was also ordered to attend a drug intervention programme by the judge.
Houghton was mocking Sunderland fan Bradley, who suffered from a rare cancer affecting children and died in 2017 at the age of six. Bradley formed a close bond with Jermain Defoe and even walked England out at Wembley before his death.
On Friday (November 17), when he arrived at Sheffield Magistrates' Court, as he was coming in, Houghton was asked if he was 'sorry,' to which he replied: "Yes. Extremely sorry."
His case was heard on Friday by District Judge, Marcus Waite, meaning it wasn't reserved to the judge from the last hearing, who warned the 32-year-old all sentencing options were open, including prison. Judge Waite told Houghton: “Your behaviour was disgraceful. You risked provoking a much more serious response.” The judge added Houghton had caused trauma to an "already traumatised and grieving family", and said Houghton showed "callous disrespect" to a brave young man who was rightly held in the "highest esteem by football fans".
Following the sentencing, the judge said he felt Houghton has shown genuine remorse. The court was told that Houghton has lost two jobs as a result of his actions. Ms Coombs said his relationship has suffered, and he’s had to stay away from his family home for "fear of reprisals". She said he will effectively have to start his life again after this case.
Off the back of the incident in September, Police visited Bradley’s parents Carl and Gemma Lowery to give their support. And Mrs Lowery reacted to the taunt, saying: "Today has not been the Saturday I was expecting, after receiving multiple calls and messages regarding a photo circulating on social media.
"I have received a visit from the Durham Police to check that I am ok, and they have notified myself and Carl that Yorkshire police are now dealing with the situation and taking it very serious. Understandably people are angry, if I wasn’t so upset I’d be angry too."
During the course of the hearing last month, Constance Coombs, who was defending Houghton, said he was "disgusted by what he did". Ms Coombs said there had been 'mutual goading' between Wednesday and Sunderland fans, and he then "took it too far".
She said the Sunderland fans were waving Sheffield United badges at the home fans and added "my client took the deplorable decision to show the picture of Bradley Lowery". She suggested what he did was "out of character" and "he's very remorseful for his actions".
Judge Gould, though, told Houghton: "You are holding up your phone, and you were plainly revelling in what you were doing."
- Sheffield Wednesday FC
- Sunderland FC
- Championship
- Courts
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