Jones abusers fined

Wed, May 16, 2018, 11:21 PM
AAP
by AAP
Three men have been fined for hurling abuse at Eddie Jones in February. Photo: Getty Images
Three men have been fined for hurling abuse at Eddie Jones in February. Photo: Getty Images

Three men have been fined after they hurled foul-mouthed abuse at England rugby coach Eddie Jones following Scotland's Calcutta Cup triumph.

Footage released online showed the group approaching the 58-year-old Australian for a photograph as he left Manchester Oxford Road rail station to catch a waiting car before the atmosphere turned sour.

One of the Scotland supporters shouted "what about last night, you baldy c***" and Jones was repeatedly called a "f****** baldy c***" as he was ushered into the vehicle by his driver on February 25.

On Wednesday, Richie Cleeton, 22, Connor Inglis, 25, and Brett Grant, 23, from Edinburgh, all pleaded guilty to a public order offence of using threatening abusive words and behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.Jones was abused after Scotland's win over England during the Six Nations. Photo: Getty ImagesSentencing the trio at Manchester Magistrates' Court, chair of the bench Joe Bangudu said: "This was a short-lived but disgraceful incident.

"Your language, although described by your defence as industrial, we think was vile and therefore unacceptable directed to anybody.

"The location where you chose to display your drunken behaviour was in a public vicinity, with not just Mr Jones in that proximity.

"There could have been kids that could have been affected by your behaviour.

"No one should ever have to put up with such language and behaviour.

"We have not seen any sort of remorse by you. That is a concern."

Cleeton was fined 120 pounds ($216), Inglis received a fine of 105 pounds ($A189) and Grant was given a financial penalty of 140 pounds ($A252).

All three were also ordered to pay court costs of 115 pounds ($A207) each.

Bangudu said Grant had prolonged the behaviour and language by opening the car door once Jones was inside.

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