Attack on Lukes Lane player's Aston Martin car

Nov 4 2008 by Hilary Clixby, The Journal

AN amateur footballer was assaulted and his £135,0000 Aston Martin attacked when a Sunday league soccer match descended into violence.

Members of the Lukes Lane and Boldon Lads teams gathered at the Lukes Lane sports pavilion in Hebburn, South Tyneside, on February 17 this year for the 2pm kick-off.

But it quickly became a troublesome game on both sides finally ending in defeat for the host team, Newcastle Crown Court heard yesterday.

And in a confrontation after the match, Boldon Lads player Andrew Wilson was punched in the face by rival Craig Lowther, the court was told.

Meanwhile, Mr Wilson's top-of-the range Aston Martin DB9 convertible parked near the pitch was targeted by Lukes Lane player Mark McShane and a 16-year-old supporter. Damage costing s11,397 to put right was caused by the pair, who hurled pieces of concrete and bricks at the car, smashing a window and hitting the passenger side door.

Lowther, 24, of Witton Gardens, Jarrow, was sentenced to 51 weeks imprisonment, suspended 12 months, with a three-month curfew after admitting assault.

McShane, 22, of Tynemouth Road, Jarrow, received an 18-month community order with supervision and s750 compensation after admitting criminal damage. The 16-year-old, who also admitted criminal damage, was given an 18-month supervision order.

Passing sentence, Mr Recorder Williams told them: This was deplorable behaviour. You have come very close to losing your liberty today.

Prosecutor Geoff Mason said there had been various niggles during the match, McShane had been sent off in the 59th minute and Mr Wilson and Lowther became involved in an argument.

Kevin Smallcombe, for Lowther, said: In Lowthers case, he had come on as a substitute.

There had been some verbal altercation with Mr Wilson during the game and Lowther describes being elbowed in the face by Mr Wilson during a tackle and after the game his frustration was not against Mr Wilsons car but Mr Wilson himself.

The question of fair play was raised. He went over and confronted him and has been very frank and admitted he punched him causing a small laceration to the cheek and grazing but effectively they seem to be non-permanent minor injuries. The confrontation was over in a short period of time. It had been bubbling over and he punched him and he shouldnt have punched him and he regrets it.

Peter Schofield, defending McShane, described it as a disastrous day in every respect.

He said: The two teams were playing on the defendants home ground. Local rivalry was acute on any view. Once he was sent off, he accepts matters deteriorated.

He knows there is no excuse for his role in what then happened. He lost his temper. He is ashamed of it. There had been in 10 games that season and no sign of trouble.

Glen Gatland, for the 16-year-old, said the teenager had believed Mr Wilson was going to become aggressive towards Lowther and so decided to throw missiles at the car to distract him. He had no idea this Aston Martin was worth s130,000.