A “SAD” football fan is facing jail for using a picture of tragic Bradley Lowery to mock Sunderland fans for “banter”.
Dale Houghton was one of two men seen smiling as they held a picture of Bradley, who died of cancer aged six, during Sheffield Wednesday’s game against Sunderland on Friday.
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Dale Houghton was charged after the image was used to mock fans
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Houghton now faces prison Credit: Facebook
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Sunderland superfan Bradley died in 2017 aged six Credits: PA: Press Association
The 31-year-old appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court today where he admitted causing harassment, alarm and distress.
The disgraced fan now faces a maximum sentence of six months in prison for the public order offense he was convicted of on November 17.
Bradley’s mum Gemma today criticized Houghton for the “inexcusable” act which has drawn criticism from all football fans.
In a victim impact statement, she said: “This picture made me feel so many emotions. It’s hard for me to put it into words.
“It’s not only disrespectful to Bradley, but to other people who go through the emotional trauma of dealing with cancer.
“This image shows a negative. I feel upset that these two men used this image to provoke a reaction from Sunderland fans. It was inexcusable.
“I have nothing but loving memories of Bradley.”
Prosecutor Jade Short said Houghton’s antics had caused “tremendous public revulsion”.
She told the court the disgraced football fan found it a “pleasant prank” because he was smiling the whole time.
The court was also told Houghton lost his job as a window fitter after the sickening act and faces a ban from attending matches.
Connie Combs, defending, said Houghton realized he had “overreacted” and was “disgusted” by his actions.
Judge James Gould warned Houghton he could face jail as he released him on bail on condition he does not attend matches.
After testing positive for cocaine, he will be forced to attend a drug intervention program, the court heard.
Houghton was also banned from coming within a mile of Hillsborough on match days.
South Yorkshire Police applied for a football banning order.
A 27-year-old man who was also arrested has been released on bail pending investigations.
Football fans were left horrified after pictures from Friday’s match were circulated on Xu, formerly Twitter.
Bradley’s brave battle with the rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma has won the hearts of the nation.
He was diagnosed with an aggressive disease when he was only 18 months old, and the tumors spread to his chest, lungs, lymph nodes, bones and bone marrow.
After major surgery and grueling chemotherapy, he pulled through and went into remission for 18 months.
But the cancer returned in 2016, when his family was dealt a heavy blow and his illness was terminal.
The footy youngster has formed a close bond with Sunderland captain Jermain Defoe, who brought him out on the pitch a few games ago.
Tragically, Bradley died in July 2017 in the arms of his devastated parents and Defoe paid an emotional tribute to his “best friend”.
Speaking after Houghton pleaded guilty today, the former England star said he was “disgusted and saddened”.
Defoe said: “My thoughts at the moment are with Gemma and Carl [Bradley’s parents]who should not have to deal with incidents like this, but should be commended for the incredible work they are doing with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in memory of their son.
“I invite the public to stand behind the family and continue to support the Foundation and its projects.
“Bradley was one of the most inspiring children this world has ever seen and he will never cease to inspire us.
“We love you and miss you Brad. Love, your best friend forever.”
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Houghton hid his face as he left court today Credit: Ben Lack
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Jermain Defoe formed a close friendship with Bradley Credit: Getty Images – Getty
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A charity founded by mum Gemma slammed a fan on Facebook Credit: Getty – Contributor
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education