A FOOTBALL fan who admitted racially abusing a member of staff at the County Ground has been fined more than £200.

John Hawkins, of Windmill Piece, Chiseldon pleaded guilty to the offence which took place during Swindon Town's Boxing Day clash with Gillingham last year.

Swindon Magistrates Court heard 24-year-old Hawkins had become "angry and frustrated" after Gillingham had scored and had become become abusive to staff member Obinna Ogbanufe.

James Burham, prosecuting said: "Gillingham had scored and the crowd surged forward. It was then that Hawkins used unpleasant language while he was under the influence of alcohol. It is unlikely without it that he would have behaved in this manner."

The court was told that Hawkins of of previous good character with no convictions to his name.

Emma Thacker, defending said her client was remorseful at his actions

"It was not his intent to racially abuse someone. He was expressing his displeasure with Swindon Town and things got out of hand, with alcohol as a factor. He is truly sorry for the offence and upset he caused Mr Ogbanufe.

District judge Simon Cooper ordered Hawkins to pay £235 in fines.