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Sheffield Wednesday Fan Admits Public Order Offence for Taunting Bradley Lowery’s Photo

A Sheffield Wednesday fan, Dale Houghton, has admitted to a public order offence after using a photo of Bradley Lowery to taunt opposition supporters. The incident occurred during a match against Sunderland, the team that Bradley supported before his untimely death from cancer in 2017. Houghton pleaded guilty at Sheffield Magistrates‘ Court and was released on bail until his sentencing hearing on 17 November.

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The judge, District Judge James Gould, described Houghton’s actions as “utterly deplorable.” He stated that all sentencing options, including a prison term, were open. Houghton was charged after pictures circulated on X, formerly Twitter, showing him and another man laughing at Wednesday’s Hillsborough stadium. Houghton was seen holding up a photo of Bradley on his phone.

In a police interview, Houghton referred to his behavior as “enjoyable banter” and mentioned that he found it funny. The prosecutor, Jade Scott, relayed this information to the court. Bradley’s mother, Gemma Lowery, came across the picture of Houghton on Facebook the day after the match and expressed her dissatisfaction. She claimed that his actions were disrespectful not only to her son but to other children suffering from cancer. In a handwritten statement read out in court, she struggled to put her emotions into words, stating that the image made her feel various emotions.

Bradley Lowery, from Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 18 months old. He became the club’s mascot and formed a close bond with striker Jermain Defoe, his hero, before passing away. Constance Coombs, Houghton’s solicitor, presented the defendant as “disgusted by what he did” and “very remorseful.” Coombs explained that Houghton had gone too far during the “mutual goading” between the two sets of football fans and had searched for Bradley’s image after being provoked by Sunderland supporters who showed him a Sheffield United badge.

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However, the court heard that Houghton’s behavior had caused considerable uproar and resulted in the loss of his job as a window-fitter. Ms. Coombs acknowledged that his actions were totally unacceptable and out of character, possibly influenced by alcohol. Judge Gould emphasized that Houghton’s actions were utterly deplorable, as evidenced by the photo posted online that showed him reveling in what he had done.

When Houghton is sentenced next month, there is a possibility that he will also face a football banning order. As part of his bail conditions, Houghton is prohibited from attending any football matches or coming within a mile of Hillsborough on match days. Sheffield Wednesday’s chief operating officer, Liam Dooley, condemned Houghton’s actions, stating that they do not represent the values of the club.

Fans of Sheffield Wednesday have responded to the incident by donating more than £18,000 to an appeal set up in Bradley’s honor. The money raised will go towards building a holiday home in Scarborough for sick children to make lasting memories. The Bradley Lowery Foundation, created by his parents, expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support. Bradley’s mother, in an interview with BBC Radio Tees, described the situation as really upsetting for herself and her husband. She emphasized that they never wanted to see Bradley’s image portrayed in such a negative light and expressed gratitude for the positive spin that the donations have put on the situation.

Leanne Wood, from Sheffield Wednesday Women‘s Supporters’ Group, was absolutely disgusted by Houghton’s actions and set up the fundraising page as a response. She added that Wednesday fans have hearts of gold.

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