A SWINDON man has denied causing thousands of pounds of damage to Oxford United’s pitch.
Liam Jones appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court yesterday and entered a not guilty plea to a charge of causing criminal damage.
The 20-year-old is alleged to have burned the initials ‘STFC’ into the Kassam Stadium turf in the run-up to United’s away game at bitter rivals Swindon Town last August.
According to the charge sheet the damage was valued at £2,608.80 and carried out between August 11 and 14.
Jones, of Webbs Wood, Peatmoor, Swindon, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address, and to enter his plea.
Prosecutor Karen Cushing said a three-hour trial would be sufficient as only one police officer was needed as a witness.
A trial date was fixed for the morning of September 13.
Chairman of magistrates Christine Dawson bailed Jones on the condition he is forbidden from entering Oxford except to attend court and pre-arranged meetings with his solicitor.
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