Racist Leeds United fan told to 'get a new hobby' after 10-year football ban
A racist Leeds United fan has been told to “get another hobby” after being hit with a 10-year banning order.
David Ellis was jailed in April for 16 weeks after making gestures during a match at Elland Road that were caught on camera. But during that hearing at Leeds Magistrates’ Court, no order was put in place to keep him away from football matches.
The 39-year-old, of Pottery Lane, York, was brought before Leeds Crown Court this week where the 10-year ban was imposed, stopping him from attending Leeds United and York City matches.
Confusion over why the ban was not in force already delayed the hearing, but from the dock Ellis said: "Do what you want to me. I have no intention of going to football again.”
The judge, Recorder Dafydd Enoch QC opted to impose the ban, rather than adjourn the case, and told him: “You definitely need to find a new hobby Mr Ellis, you really won’t be going to football again.
"There should have been an order made during the previous hearing. Given your history, the appropriate length is 10 years.
"You have a history of breaching these orders, but if you breach this one you might go to jail.”
Ellis made the racist gestures during a Leeds United game against Aston Villa on October 2 last year. He was caught on camera and the footage was uploaded to social media. West Yorkshire Police launched an investigation and Ellis was identified.
He later pleaded guilty to a racially-aggravated section 5 public order act offence.