A NEWCASTLE United fan who was caught urinating on a memorial statue of Sunderland legend Bob Stokoe has been ordered to pay £250 compensation to the North East club.

Thomas Fleet, 21, of Bertha Street, Ferryhill, pleaded guilty to criminal damage after social media footage showed the Magpies' supporter relieving himself on the monument.

The tribute, outside Sunderland's Stadium of Light ground, recreates the late Stokoe's famous dance across Wembley's turf after he had masterminded the club's 1-0 1973 FA Cup final victory over Leeds United.

The Northern Echo: South Tyneside Magistrates Court this afternoon (WED) after he was filmed urinating on a memorial statue of Sunderland football legend Bob Stokoe outside the Stadium of Light Picture: North NewsSouth Tyneside Magistrates Court this afternoon (WED) after he was filmed urinating on a memorial statue of Sunderland football legend Bob Stokoe outside the Stadium of Light Picture: North News

Read more: Man to appear in court after TikTok shows man urinating on statue

Lillian Yanes Hellevik, prosecuting, told South Tyneside Magistrates Court the offence took place on April 30 when Stokoe was "caught on CCTV footage" with his friend as he walked up to the statue, pulled his pants down and urinated.

Mr Fleet could also be seen wearing a Newcastle United shirt, Sunderland's rivals, at the time.

Ms Hellevik said: "The friend saw it fit to record the incident and that video went viral on the social media application TikTok."

She noted the video had "caused an outcry" amongst Sunderland fans.

She added that it had been "an impulsive act" and that the defendant admitted the offence in the police interview.

The court heard Fleet was serving a suspended sentence for domestic violence related offences at the time.

Angus Westgarth, defending, said: "He was an idiot to do what he did and where he did it.

"It was disrespectful to many, many people.

"It was an act of stupidity. It wasn't premeditated."

He also added that the 21-year-old was "embarrassed and upset" about what had happened and that "he's already paid quite a heavy price".

Mr Westgarth also argued the £250 compensation was too high and that the suspended sentence was for dissimilar offences.

Thomas, of Bertha Street, Ferryhill, was ordered to pay £250 compensation to Sunderland Football Club and a £40 fine.

Chair of the Bench Kay Gilbert said: "We are going to order you to pay Sunderland Football Club £250 in compensation.

"You committed this offence while you were on a suspended sentence order.

"We are not going to activate the suspended sentence because it's a dissimilar offence."

She encouraged him to work with probation adding: "You acted impulsively.

"We don't want to see you back here again."

 

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