A ‘disgraced’ Sheffield Wednesday fan who held an image of Bradley Lowery towards Sunderland fans in September has been given a 12-week suspended prison sentence.
Dale Houghton, 32, of Black Carr Road, Rotherham, engaged in what he called ‘standard football banter’ when he showed Lowery’s image, who died after a cancer battle aged six.
Mr Lowery was a mascot at Sunderland, and remains a popular figure at the club after his passing in 2017.
The image of him being laughed at by Houghton during the tie between Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland on 29 September circulated on social media soon after the event took place.
Houghton had his sentence suspended for 18 months, was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and handed a five-year football ban.
Mark Hughes, prosecuting, said: “He said he simply googled the image.
“He admits he went too far.”
Houghton left the game after the Owls went 0-2 down and had been drinking alcohol before kick off, leaving the match early to continue drinking at the pub.
He saw the image of what he had done on social media soon after.
Former chief operating officer for Sheffield Wednesday, Liam Dooley, called Houghton’s actions ‘utterly deplorable’ and said his actions did not represent the views of the club.
In a statement, Bradley Lowery’s mum, Gemma Lowery, said the impact of the photo would extend well beyond just the Lowery family.
She said: “The photo brought on many emotions and I will find it hard to put into words.
“It wasn’t just disrespectful to Bradley, it has caused emotional turmoil to other ill children.”
Houghton was also ordered to pay a £239 fine.
Constance Coombs, Houghton’s solicitor, said he understood his actions were ‘utterly reprehensible’.
She said: “There’s very little he wouldn’t do to make amends.
“He feels deep remorse towards Bradley Lowery’s family and the general public.”
Houghton lost his job after the incident, and after finding a new job at Next, was sacked again ahead of the trial.
He has also not spoken to his friends since the incident, and Ms Coombs said he accepted he would need to ‘effectively start his life again’.
Giving his sentence, Judge Marcus Waite said: “You caused further trauma on a traumatised and bereaved family.
“Bradley Lowery was held in the highest esteem by football fans everywhere.”
To donate to the Bradley Lowery Foundation set up in his honour, follow the link here.