Published: Wednesday, 16th December, 2009 5:07pm
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EXCLUSIVE - By Ewan McInnes
AN intoxicated soccer thug halted a football match when he ran onto the pitch, argued with an official and then punched him in the face.
George Noon, of Braeside Drive, Barrhead, invaded the game being played at Cowan Park, Aurs Road, shouted at several players, made threats and refused to leave the park, Paisley Sheriff Court heard yesterday.
The court was told that whilst arguing, an official placed his hands on Noon and the 22-year-old responded by punching the man.
Noon's lawyer, Terry Gallangh told the court how this case reminded him of the legendary Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough who was once publicly villified for placing his hands on two fans.
However, Mr Gallangh admitted there was no doubt his client's conduct was inappropriate and said Noon should have left the pitch when asked to do so.
Mr Gallangh suggested that the complainer, being someone involved in the match, might not have needed to place his hands on his client but nonetheless Noon did not need to punch the complainer.
It was revealed in court that Noon did not remember much about the assault because he was so intoxicated.
Noon pled guilty to conducting himself in a disorderly manner, walking on to the pitches at Cowan Park, Aurs Road, while a football match was taking place, shouting at players there, refusing to leave the pitch, uttering threats and breaching the peace, on April 5 last year.
He also admitted assaulting an official and punching him on the face to his injury.
The case was originally due to be heard at court in February this year but without reasonable excuse Noon failed to appear.
Noon dodged jail but was handed a two year probationary sentence with strict conditions.
These include the requirements that he must attend alcohol counselling, anger management and pay compensation of £300.
He has also been ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service and will spend the majority of his Christmas at home as he was placed on a two month Restriction of Liberty Order which will see him inside his home address from 9pm to 7am.
Sentencing, Sheriff Douglas said: "These are very rigourous terms you have to comply with, this is because a custodial sentence had been uppermost in my mind.
"You must comply or be prepared for the alternative."
East Renfrewshire Council, who own the pitches at Cowan Park, were aware of the incident involving Mr Noon.
A council spokesman told the Barrhead News they lease the pitches out to football teams not only in the town but from the surrounding areas.
He said: "The council utterly deplores attacks on anyone using our pitches whether they are players, officials or spectators as everyone deserves to be safe when using our facilities."
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Jenga
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Dec 24 09 11:37
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Typical nedish behaviour.. I'd lock him up and throw away the key.
Jenga
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Dec 24 09 11:39
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Typical nedish behaviour.. I'd lock him up and throw away the key.
christopher cammeron
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Dec 30 09 18:03
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He is abad rascal ive had trouble with this ned twice he whiped my back legs with broken branches and chased me with his hard men gang into the bank of scotland the judge was stupid not jailing him he is a danger to the barrhead public.
LindaB
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Dec 31 09 19:28
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For one week, I have been pondering over bothering to comment on this report, I have been between why bother, because the courts it would appear apply only the "bare law" in such circumstances.
They have these "thugs" appear in front them, one after the other on any given day of the week, these young people all telling the same old, same old story "that they do not remember, or they did not know what they were doing etc, etc,
I believe this to be a nonsense, the courts are a nonsense and their "dishing out harsh sentences is a nonsense"
Ok, so there is no room for these boys in an adult prison, there are few borstals which are not overcrowded, but what about the ARMY, WHO ARE CRYING OUT FOR NEW RECRUITS, compulsary service, that would sort them out.
These Kids whose parents grew-up in the 70's & 80's do know, right from wrong, they do know of sectarianism and it's consequences having experienced it at one time or another themselves.
If the child is out of their control or if they as parents cannot introduce some other form of "interest" to their child other than football, then the courts should intervene and take that responsibilty out of the hands of the inept parents,
Noon, is an intersting name, there is great history behind this name and there is HONOUR, which is something this young thug obviously has no idea about.
Education begins at home.
christopher cammeron
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Jan 1 10 21:14
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I agree totaly on that reply he is a thug and should be locked up the judge was just too far soft on this guy what about the next poor guy who has to confront him he is a moody bad tempered git who need locking up.and god only knows how alcohol has turned him into being a thug.
mick
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Jan 15 10 15:13
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people on this need to get a life if they have never done anything bad .
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