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Leeds businessman banned from every soccer ground in country
A Leeds businessman has been banned from every football ground in the country for kicking a police dog when trouble flared at Elland Road.
Aspecto Clothing Company boss Shane Ackroyd, 36, was at the front of a baying mob of 200 Leeds fans waiting for Millwall supporters after the match on Sunday October 27, Leeds Crown Court heard.
Ackroyd, of Castle Lodge Court, Morley, was caught on police video shouting abuse and gesticulating at officers before violently kicking a police dog.
The Recorder of Leeds Judge Peter Collier QC handed him a four month prison sentence suspended for 18 months and ordered him to do 150 hours unpaid community work. He was told to pay 305 towards prosecution costs and handed a three year football banning order.
Prosecutor Peter Moulson said as police pushed the crowd of yobs back they were attacked with missiles and horses and dogs were brought in.
The court heard Ackroyd is a Doncaster Rovers supporter but also a part-time Leeds United fan. He was identified from video footage taken at the Millwall game when Leeds played at home to Doncaster Rovers on January 19.
Ackroyd is area manager for clothing company Aspecto, who operate a shop in the upmarket Victoria Quarter in Leeds City Centre.
Nigel Edwards, for Ackroyd, said he is responsible for 100 staff and 9m of turnover. Mr Edwards added: "It was stupidity, shouting and screaming."
The court heard there was trouble before, after and during Leeds United's clash with Millwall.
Judge Collier told Ackroyd: "You appear to be leaving along with others but in the end hung about and caught up with a group that circled back and appeared to be waiting for the Millwall fans to emerge. You were towards the front of the group.
"Instead of leaving you began to gesticulate and shout at police. The dogs were moved closer and at that point you kicked out at one of the dogs and the expression on your face was one of great aggression. Your kick was not only deliberate, it was very forceful."
Ackroyd had pleaded guilty to affray.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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