Sheffield Wednesday fan given suspended sentence after mocking death of Sunderland’s child mascot

Image: Brad Lowery by PA

Football fan Dale Houghton has been given a suspended sentence after mocking the death of a child with cancer.

Dale Houghton, 32, Rotherham, has received a 12 week sentence, suspended for 18 months after pleading guilty to the offence in October at Sheffield Magistrates Court. 

The court heard how Houghton was ‘laughing’ and ‘taunting’ at a photo of the child mascot for Sunderland, Bradley Lowery, who died from a rare cancer aged six in 2017. 

Gemma Lowery, mother to Bradley, conveyed in a statement to the court that she found it ‘challenging to express her emotions’ and Houghton’s actions were not only disrespectful to Bradley but to ‘other ill children’. 

Connie Coombs, defending, told the court: “He describes his own actions as disgraceful and disgusting but regretfully he can’t say why he did what he did, it was very out of character for him.

“He understands and recognises he needs to be punished for this, he knows there are no excuses for his behaviour.”

Houghton, an avid Sheffield Wednesday fan, admitted to intentionally causing harassment, alarm and distress on 2 October 2023. 

He also confessed to being ‘under the influence of alcohol’ at the Sheffield Wednesday Vs Sunderland game on 29 September 2023.

In today’s sentencing, Houghton told reporters that he was ‘extremely sorry’ for his actions before entering the courtroom, despite originally claiming that he was just partaking in ‘football banter’.

District Judge Marcus Waite told the court Houghton’s actions were ‘utterly appalling’ and that his behaviour was ‘disgraceful and could’ve incited a more severe response’. 

He added that Houghton’s actions showed ‘callous disrespect’ to Bradley Lowery who is ‘in the highest esteem by football fans’. 

Houghton was sentenced to 12 week jail term, suspended for 18 months, and received a five-year football banning order. He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days. 

The court also heard how Houghton had already volunteered himself to Rotherham alcohol and drug service for help with his drinking.