Understand
Woman tells trial she feared for her life after football fan fell on her from stand
Overview
A trial at Ipswich Crown Court has heard testimony from Joanne Peters, who recalled thinking she could have died after 62-year-old John Ryan fell from the upper tier of Portman Road's Cobbold Stand during an FA Cup match between Ipswich Town and Maidstone United in January 2024. Ryan, who denies charges including actual bodily harm, stated that momentum carried him down after he lost his footing during a goal celebration.
Key points
- Joanne Peters told Ipswich Crown Court she feared for her life and thought her neck could have been broken when John Ryan landed on her.
- The incident occurred during an FA Cup match in January 2024 when Maidstone United played Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
- Peters suffered elements of whiplash, hand numbness, and internal bruising, while her partner reported being kicked in the head.
- John Ryan denies one count of assault by beating and one count of actual bodily harm, stating he lost his footing and momentum took him over a sloping roof during a goal celebration.
- The jury has retired to consider its verdicts as the trial continues.