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A Grimsby Town fan has been convicted of assault after attacking a football steward with an inflatable shark following his side's dramatic 3-1 victory over Barnet.

Kenneth Meech, 50, was one of around 1,000 Town fans who made the trip down to The Hive for the Conference win on February 21.

After Craig Disley bagged an injury-time winner, Meech assaulted steward Cgagi Gladyng as they celebrated the vital goal.

Meech, of Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes, was arrested at the ground and taken to Harrow police station where he was charged with common assault.

He denied the allegation, claiming to have no memory of striking the steward with the shark.

(Image: Central News)

The fully inflated toy was carried into the court inside a transparent police exhibit bag today as legal arguments delayed the start of the trial.

Following his arrest Meech was handed a banning order preventing him from entering the town centres of both Grimsby and his native Cleethorpes four hours either side of a home match.

Metropolitan police said two other Grimsby Town fans were arrested at the match, one for criminal damage and another for pitch invasion.

Meech's arrest came just two weeks after another inflatable scandal at the club when supporter Bryan Winship was pictured being restrained in a headlock by a Forest Green steward at The New Lawn stadium.

Barnet were later crowned Conference champions while Grimsby Town lost the play-off final 5-3 on penalties to Bristol Rovers.

Mr Gladyng, 59, told the court he was 'terrified' when he was assaulted with the inflatable shark.

(Image: Central News)

He was in the North Terrace when he became trapped against the railings as fans rushed towards the pitch.

Giving evidence at Willesden Magistrates Court, he said he felt three blows to the back of his head and neck with what felt like 'rolled up paper' but could not see who or what had hit him.

'It was only my second football game.

'When the crowd came forward I was pushed up against the metal barrier that keeps people from running onto the pitch,' said Mr Gladyng.

'I was terrified. My mind wasn't thinking what to expect, I was just terrified.'

PC Sharon Sell, who was on duty as a 'spotter' at the match, said she saw Meech striking Mr Gladyng with the inflatable toy while shouting: 'You can f***ing have it as well!'

Sharn Mardner, prosecuting, said the attack was the result of Meech's pent-up tension and aggression spilling out at the end of his team's impressive away win.

"He was using it as a weapon,' said Ms Mardner.

"He was so intent on his actions that he didn't see the officer watching him doing it and saying it.'

Gethin Payne, for Meech, said Gladyng could not be sure what, or indeed who, had hit him.

"Can you be sure that any contact was intentional, especially when you have got the crowd surging forward?" asked Mr Payne.

Meech, a sheet metal worker on the South Humberside Industrial Estate, said he had no memory of striking the steward with the inflatable toy.

"We were jumping, ecstatic and exited, at getting the winning goal,' said Meech.

"It was euphoric."

He said he was not aware why he had even been arrested, having been told it was simply for common assault.

"We were having a bit of fun throughout the whole match. Everybody was having fun," he added.

Meech was convicted of common assault for hitting a steward with an inflatable shark.

He was given a 12 month conditional discharge, ordered to pay Mr Gladyng £100 in compensation, £700 court costs and a victim surcharge of £70.