AN Ipswich Town fan has been banned from football matches for the next three years after a court heard he was one of the town's most violent football hooligans.

AN Ipswich Town fan has been banned from football matches for the next three years after a court heard he was one of the town's most violent football hooligans.

Peter Meadows, 28, of Ascot Drive, Racecourse, appeared before the town's magistrates' court to hear the verdict in a landmark civil case brought by Suffolk police.

After summarising a string of violent behaviour convictions and incidents involving Meadows, District Judge David Cooper said it would be “irrational” not to make a banning order.

“Without a shadow of a doubt he is part of a small minority for whom the attraction of football matches is not the game but the warfare,” Judge Cooper said.

“The applicant [Suffolk police] has established Mr Meadows has caused or contributed to violence or disorder in committing three serious offences related directly or indirectly to football.

“It must surely be the case that it would be irrational not to make a banning order,” he added.

The powerful legislation prevents Meadows from attending any football games in England and Wales as well as games abroad.

It also stops him from entering the town centre three hours before or after an Ipswich Town or England game and he is not allowed within five miles of a town or city where either of the teams is playing.

The first hearing in the case took place in May.

At that time Meadows was prevented from travelling to the World Cup in Germany as a result of having to remain in England and Wales while fighting the order.

Prior to delivering his verdict Judge Cooper said Meadows argued his case in earlier hearings but had left him unconvinced.

“The argument of Mr Meadows was that although he accepted he had caused violence in the past he wanted to attend games in the future and would not take part in violence or disorder,” Judge Cooper said.

“However I found his demeanour in the witness box cut an entirely unconvincing figure.

“At no time has he expressed any sincere regret for his past conduct or outlined any steps to prevent future bad behaviour.”

Judge Cooper said police had told the court that Ipswich Town enjoys relatively trouble-free support but needed to provide a “huge” presence for matches due to the “threat” of Meadows and a group of associates.

Meadows is eligible to contest the ban in two years' time. He was ordered to pay £3,819.63 costs.

After the case, Meadows, a carpenter, said: “I have been in trouble in the past - that has happened, but the last conviction I have is three years ago and I think it's a shame you can be punished for the same crimes over and over again.

“I think the whole thing was blown out of all proportion. I feel that I have been made an example of because this is the first case of its kind.”