Southend: First Football Banning Order for drugs possession

Essex Police has secured its first Football Banning Order for the possession of a Class A drug.

The man received the three-year ban after admitting being in possession of cocaine while at Southend United’s football ground as an away supporter.

Dedicated Football Officer Keith Baker said:

"Football is known as the ‘beautiful game’ with people coming week in and week out to support their local team.
"We know that consumption of drugs fuels disorder at football matches and we are committed to kicking that type of behaviour out of grounds in our county.
"We are committed to ensuring football grounds across Essex are places where you can come and cheer on your team, focusing on the players’ performance without worrying about the behaviour of other supporters."

On Saturday 1 February, Southend were playing Kent-based Sittingbourne FC when security staff at the Roots Hall Football Stadium spotted a man going back and forwards to the toilets.

He was stopped and searched and a packet of white powder was found. Officers were called and the substance, which was later confirmed to be cocaine, was seized.

At interview John Millie of Kenley Gardens, Hornchurch, provided a statement where he made a full admission.

And on Friday 13 June at Chelmsford Magistrates Court the 39-year-old admitted possession of a Class A drug.

He was sentenced to a three-year Football Banning Order which restricts his access to matches. He was fined £484, ordered to pay £85 costs and a £184 surcharge.

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