HILL:LONDON RIOTS FORCE JUDGE TO HALT FOOTBALL HOOLIGANISM TRIAL

A judge halted a football hooliganism trial early today (Tues) as rioting spreads across London.

Judge Mark Van de Zwart was forced to adjourn proceedings after a female juror headed home during the lunch hour to deal with an ‘urgent’ matter arising from the disturbances.

‘From the limited information I have I do not expect that the juror will be back at court this afternoon.

‘So, in effect, we are not going to be able to make any further progress with this trail this afternoon.’

Smith, 50, allegedly threw a pint glass into the face of acting police sergeant Damian Hill (corr) after Pompey’s 1-0 FA Cup final defeat at the hands of Chelsea last year.

Moments earlier Smith had allegedly chucked a bottle at police dog ‘Texas’, which shattered and caused cuts to the animal’s paws.

Marvin Hill, 19, was also allegedly involved in the incident and was heard to shout at officers ‘Get rid of your dog and I will take you on.’

Smith, of (320) Chatsworth Avenue, in Portsmouth, denies wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and damaging property.
 
Hill, of (43) Thorncroft Road, Portsmouth, denies one count of affray.

The trial is expected to resume tomorrow (WEDS) morning.
ENDS