POLICE monitoring trouble after the Blackburn v Liverpool game saw Damien John Bradley run up and kick a police horse.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Bradley was tracked by the police helicopter and eventually arrested after a short chase.

Bradley, 29, of Rockliffe Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour and was fined £400 with £114 costs. He was also excluded from any domestic football ground for the next two years.

A charge of affray was dismissed after the prosecution offered no evidence.

David Hartley, prosecuting, said that when interviewed Bradley had denied kicking the horse. But after watching the police video he admitted his involvement and apologised.

Paul Schofield, defending, said Bradley was aware that the court would take a dim view of his behaviour.

"He accepts that he did kick the horse but that was all," said Mr Schofield.

"He does not accept that he was part of the fighting except to be the innocent victim of a blow to the back of the head."

He said Bradley was due to fly to Guernsey where he would be starting a new job and, he hoped, a new future.

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