A 21-YEAR-OLD football fan has avoided a banning order after he invaded the pitch while drunk during a Weymouth FC game.

Weymouth Magistrates Court heard how Thomas Heyworth was among the pitch invaders spotted by security staff during a Vanarama National League game at the Bob Lucas Stadium between Weymouth FC and Torquay United on Saturday, December 4 last year.

The court heard how Heyworth made his way onto the pitch around 4.20pm, during the game's second half. He was taken off by staff within a minute.

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Dorset Echo: Thomas Heyworth. Picture: Sam McKeownThomas Heyworth. Picture: Sam McKeown

Heyworth, of Osborne Street, Newton Abbot, Devon, admitted a charge of going onto a playing area at a football match without lawful authority or excuse under the Football Offences Act 1991.

Prosecuting Richard Oakley said: "It happened during the match between Weymouth FC and Torquay United.

"At 4.20pm, security staff spotted four pitch incursions. One of the individuals involved was the defendant.

"The defendant has no previous convictions."

Mr Oakley added that the people who invaded the pitch were escorted off by security staff before being put under the supervision of Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police.

Heyworth was unrepresented during his case at Weymouth Magistrates Court yesterday.

In court, Heyworth told magistrates said: "It was just a drunken mistake.

"It was my first away game as a Torquay fan.

"I had a lot to drink."

Dorset Echo: Heyworth was sentenced at Weymouth Magistrates Court. Picture: Sam McKeownHeyworth was sentenced at Weymouth Magistrates Court. Picture: Sam McKeown

Mr Oakley asked for Heyworth to be banned from attending future football matches.

Chairman of the bench, Colin Weston told the defendant: "Due to the fact that you have no previous convictions we will not be making a banning order for you to attend future matches.

"It was an offence which was done quickly."

Heyworth was fined £230 and told to pay a £34 surcharge, and court costs of £85 - bringing the total to £349.

Prior to Heyworth's pitch invasion, the game was level at 0-0, before Torquay took the lead in the 65th minute with Weymouth equalising in the 68th. The game was eventually won by the away side 2-1.