TWO teenage boys from Barrow have been given five-year football banning orders after pleading guilty to hurling rocks at a minibus carrying women and children.
Two people were taken to hospital with head injuries after two minibuses carrying York City fans was attacked just after 5pm on Saturday September 24.
The incident took place shortly after the final whistle in the game in which Barrow beat York 2-0.
Witnesses said a group of youths hurled rocks at the Mercedes Sprinter minibus belonging to Tower Travel as it travelled along the A590 on Walney Road between the fire station and the turnoff to Ormsgill.
A second minibus, belonging to Marc Collins, was also damaged.
Two men, Kevin Atkinson and Phillip Howden, both suffered cuts to the head and face and were taken to Furness General Hospital.
Following extensive investigations by police and club officials, two teenagers from Barrow were arrested and charged.
The pair, who cannot be named because they are youths, appeared in court on Friday and were both given five-year football banning orders.
The 16-year-old pleaded guilty to assaulting Phillip Howden causing him actual bodily harm; assaulting Kevin Atkinson causing him actual bodily harm; causing criminal damage to a minibus belonging to Tower Travel; and causing criminal damage to a minibus belonging to Marc Collins.
The 15-year-old pleaded guilty to assaulting Phillip Howden causing him actual bodily harm; assaulting Kevin Atkinson causing him actual bodily harm; and causing criminal damage to a minibus belonging to Tower Travel.
The court ordered that Mr Howden receive £250 in compensation, Mr Atkinson receive £200 in compensation and that £100 be paid to Tower Travel and £50 paid to Marc Collins.
The 15-year-old was also given a youth rehabilitation order and the 16-year-old was given a referral order.
Police in York, who were involved in the investigation, today said: "Glad to say following the attack in Barrow Kevin Atkinson and Phil Howden have made a decent recovery from an horrendous ordeal."
Officers in York, who praised their Barrow counterparts for bringing the pair to justice, described the incident as a "disturbing time for York City fans" and added that they "won't forget the sight of the injuries, shock and trauma caused".
Glad to say following the attack in #Barrow @kevatkinson50 and @YCFC_SLO have made a decent recovery from an horrendous ordeal #ycfc
— York City FC Police (@NYPYCFC) February 20, 2017
Police in Barrow are expected to issue a press release today following the two teenagers' convictions.
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