A 62-year-old Maidstone United supporter has been acquitted of assault charges following a fall from the upper tier of a grandstand that landed him on Ipswich Town supporters during an FA Cup match. John Ryan was found not guilty of both assault by beating and actual bodily harm at Ipswich Crown Court after a jury determined he had been unable to prevent himself from falling during goal celebrations on 18 January 2024.
The incident occurred when Ryan, of Railway Street, Chatham, Kent, fell from the Cobbold Stand's upper tier at Portman Road, slid down the sloping roof covering the boxes between the upper and lower tiers, and landed on Joanne Peters and her partner Aaron Rose, who were seated below. Ryan was visibly emotional as the jury delivered its not guilty verdicts on both counts.
The match saw Maidstone United, a non-league side, defeat Ipswich Town 2-1 in what Ryan described to the court as "the biggest match in the club's history." He told jurors he had been celebrating what he considered a "special" goal when the fall occurred. Ryan maintained that he could not determine whether he had been pushed or whether his foot had slipped during the incident.
What injuries did the supporters sustain?
The impact caused significant harm to Peters, who has scoliosis. According to reporting on the trial, Peters described being terrified when Ryan landed on her and subsequently reported whiplash-like symptoms, numbness in her hands, and internal bruising. Aaron Rose testified that Ryan struck him on the back of the head during the fall, and Peters initially believed the box behind her had collapsed.
What was the prosecution's case?
Prosecutor Simon Gladwell presented evidence that Ryan had consumed five cans of lager before the match. The prosecution also noted that two other supporters climbed onto the roof during the celebration but were prevented from going further, suggesting the incident occurred in a context of heightened excitement and movement among fans.
How did the club respond?
Following the incident on 18 January 2024, Ipswich Town announced it was investigating the matter, and at that time it was understood that no one had sustained serious injuries—a characterisation that contrasted with the medical evidence later presented at trial regarding Peters' condition.
Key Facts
- John Ryan, 62, was cleared of assault by beating and actual bodily harm charges at Ipswich Crown Court
- The fall occurred during an FA Cup match between Maidstone United and Ipswich Town on 18 January 2024
- Joanne Peters, who has scoliosis, reported whiplash-like symptoms, numbness in her hands, and internal bruising following the incident
- Ryan had consumed five cans of lager before the match, according to prosecution evidence
- The jury determined Ryan was unable to prevent himself from falling during goal celebrations
