A TEENAGER who invaded the pitch at Chester FC's play-off match against Brackley Town before smashing an away supporters' coach window has been banned from attending the club's matches.

Thomas Graham, 18, of Duke Street, Chester, previously pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity to invading the pitch at the May 7 football game at the Deva Stadium, as well as damaging the Volvo coach window to the value of £1,518.84.

Appearing at Chester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, September 5 to be sentenced, Graham was handed a 12-month community order, a three-year Football Banning Order and ordered to pay compensation for the coach window damage.

Prosecuting, Alan Currums said it was following the conclusion of the football match, which Chester FC lost 1-0, that a large number of people invaded the pitch and headed towards the Brackley Town supporters, where some disorder took place.

The incident was captured on CCTV, police drone footage, and filmed by members of the public.

Graham was one of the people who went on the pitch before running out of the ground, to the away supporters' coach, smashing the driver-side window, injuring himself doing so.

In police interview, Graham made full admissions and could not provide a reason why he had smashed the window.

He had no previous convictions.

Mr Currums added a recent change in legislation had meant, for such offences, a Football Banning Order must now be imposed unless there were exceptional reasons not to do so.

A probation report prepared said Graham was "candid and remorseful" in interview, accepting he was intoxicated that day and could not really remember what he had done, saying he acted "in the heat of the moment" and followed other pitch invaders.

The court heard Graham was 17 years old at the time of the offences, and was ashamed of himself, having told no-one about his court appearance in advance.

Defending, Hannah Kelly said had Graham been in court as a youth, he would likely have received a youth referral order.

The defendant was capable of doing unpaid work and Graham had no interest in attending more football matches, as his behaviour had "scared" him, and he had not consumed alcohol since.

Chair of magistrates Tim Mann said the bench was "encouraged" Graham had "almost immediately recognised the stupidity" of what he had done.

For the 12-month community order, Graham must complete 50 hours unpaid work.

The court heard as part of the three-year Football Banning Order, Graham will be banned from attending Chester FC matches home and away, and must report to a police station for England games. For Chester FC home matches, Graham is prohibited from being in the city centre before and after the match takes place.

He was also told to pay £1,518.84 compensation. So that could take priority, no other court costs were made.