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A teenager who damaged about 30,000 euros in the Royal Liver Building after throwing a fireworks during Premier League celebrations has walked away from prison.
Matthew Egglesden, 19, of Scarisbrick, Lancashire, sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday after admitting a arson with the intention of destroying or damaging construction or being reckless.
He also ordered the return of 6,183 pounds and a hundred hours of unpaid work.
The fireplace when the chimneys hit the first-floor balcony as thousands of enthusiasts piled up at Pier Head in Liverpool to mark the club that fit English champions for the first time in 30 years.
The court heard that Egglesden had been reported to police through his father, who had noticed his symbol online after the June 26 incident.
In condemning him, Judge Andrew Menary QC said: “This was outrageous and shameful behavior on the part of all involved.
“Such vandalism embarrasses Liverpool Football Club, has an effect on the city’s reputation around the world and, because of your participation, makes you a general disgrace. “
“There were probably stupid fans who applauded their movements that night, but I’m sure the vast majority of Liverpool enthusiasts in the city and around the world will be horrified by their movements. “
Chris Taylor, a prosecutor, said giant crowds had accumulated at Pier Head for celebrations, despite warnings from Merseyside police and the local government to stay home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, Police Inspector Kim Carter said he said fireworks were being thrown at the building, home to Everton Football Club headquarters, because enthusiasts were angry because it lit up in blue.
But the milestone lit up in red, white and blue to commemorate Armed Forces Day, the court was told.
Firefighters arrived at the site around 10:20 p. m. after flames were noticed on the first floor balcony, Taylor said.
The court heard that firefighters had checked to extinguish the fire, they had to retreat as more fireworks were thrown at them.
Damage caused to synthetic turf and the terrace of a balcony used for personal receptions, the court said.
Mr Taylor said that 29,506 euros of repairs had been made, adding paints through stained glass, masons and roofers, and that the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service had charged 3,183 euros.
Photographs of the accused firing the sturdy rocket, which were transmitted in court, were widely shared on social media, and his father confronted him after seeing him on liverpool Echo’s online page and then reported it to police, Mr. Taylor.
Simon Driver, in defence, claimed that Egglesden had an intelligent character in the past and was supported through his circle of relatives and employer, for whom he worked as an apprentice.
He said the defendant had “become the face of everything that was that night” and had been targeted on social media.
“It’s his fault, however, it was a very heavy burden for a 19-year-old intelligent and acted as a punishment in himself,” he said.
Judge Menary said there is no doubt that Egglesden intentionally fired the rocket at the Liver Building.
He said, “I have no doubt that you did this because you and the others knew that night that it was a construction related to your rival, Everton FC. “
Egglesden of Turning Lane, whose parents and other members of the family circle were in court with him, was also ordered to perform 15 hours of rehab activity and a curfew between 8 p. m. and 6 a. m. 3 months.