Scottish fan’s let-off for abusing England coach
A Scottish rugby fan who hurled abuse at England rugby coach Eddie Jones as he left a railway station has narrowly avoided jail. Jones, 58, was at manchester’s Oxford road station the day after Scotland beat England 25-13 in the six Nations in February.
Manchester magistrates court heard he was jostled by Dale Cleeton, 25, and his three Scottish friends as he headed for his chauffeur- driven car.
Initially seeking a selfie, they turned nasty – with sozzled Cleeton branding the shocked Australian a “baldy ****”.
The builder, from Edinburgh, who failed to attend court citing “ financial reasons” admitted using threatening behaviour and was ordered to pay £234.
Last may, Richie Cleeton, 22, Connor Inglis, 25, and Brett Grant, 23, also admitted using threatening behaviour and were all fined.
Jones initially declined to comment, but police were called after footage of the incident went viral.
Magistrate Mark Aspden said: “This case is particularly unpleasant.
“This was a group action but was short in duration.”
Cleeton was fined £54, ordered to pay prosecution costs of £150 and a victim surcharge of £30.