A DRUNKEN Clarets fan exposed himself during Burnley’s game against Blackpool at Turf Moor, a court was told.

Stewart Niven Rickwood, 27, from Padiham, was caught on CCTV and was arrested by police for his ‘unsavoury’ actions, which took place near children.

Police, who had been ‘keeping an eye’ on him after he was spotted fooling around entering the stand, arrested him when he returned to his seat.

Rickwood’s solicitor told the hearing the defendant had been the subject of a lot of ‘high jinks’ on the concourse and others had egged him on to continue his ‘buffoonery’.

Daniel Frazer said: “Unfortunately, he was then encouraged by others to expose himself, which he did.”

Rickwood, who had no convictions for soccer violence, was facing a possible football banning order, as the police wanted to stop him going to games. But he was spared an order after the Bench said they did not feel it would be necessary and proportionate. They said there was no violence on this occasion and they regarded it as an isolated incident.

However, chairman Stephen Riley said Rickwood had drink-related offences on his record and told him: “We urge you to control your behaviour in future.”

Rickwood, of Graham Street, Padiham, admitted being drunk in a sports ground, last October 20. He was fined £50, with a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs. Tom Snape, prosecuting, said kick-off was at 5.20pm and Rickwood had been seen entering the stand. Police were observing him as he was throwing beer around.

At half-time, he was seen on the concourse and was again throwing beer. He then exposed himself to male onlookers. He was arrested when he returned to his seat and claimed: “I only did it in front of five or six mates for a laugh.”

Rickwood had convictions for threatening behaviour, assault and affray.

Mr Frazer, defending, said: “He accepts he has done something which is unsavoury, something which he shouldn’t have done.”