A MAN from Poole has been banned from going to football matches for three years after he had a "smoke device" at an AFC Bournemouth fixture.

James Chipchase, 26, was accused of having the item during Cherries' Championship clash at Bristol City on October 16 last year when Scott Parker's side secured a 2-0 victory.

The defendant, of Stonecrop Close, Broadstone, allegedly committed the offence when he was in part of the Ashton Gate stadium from which the match might be directly viewed.

Chipchase pleaded guilty to possessing a firework or flare at a sporting event, which is an offence under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985, last month.

He appeared before Bristol Magistrates' Court for sentencing on May 16.

Bournemouth Echo: Cherries won the match at Bristol City back in OctoberCherries won the match at Bristol City back in October

The district judge issued a £250 fine along with an order to pay an £34 surcharge and £85 costs.

Chipchase also received the football banning order, which imposed strict requirements upon the defendant including not to go to any regulated match during this period.

From four hours before kick off until six hours after kick off on the day of any regulated Cherries fixture, he must not attend any town or city where the team are playing an away match. A separate restriction stated he must not enter a defined area of Bournemouth, which included Vitality Stadium, over the same time periods.

On the day of any England senior men's national team fixture in England, Wales or Scotland, Chipchase must not enter the town or city boundary where the match is being played from eight hours before kick off until eight hours after the scheduled kick off.

Avon and Somerset Police released details of Chipchase's conviction along with other football-related incidents.

Inspector Mark Nicholson said: "It's important fans of all football clubs understand their actions have consequences; violence and endangering public safety is not acceptable.

"Several fans supporting clubs across the south west will miss out on attending games next season and for years to come because of their irresponsible actions."

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