Four Italian football fans were fined by magistrates after a violent disturbance at Stansted Airport.

Elisabetta Ottino, 37, and her partner Andrea Cogorno, 34, both from Genoa, admitted using threatening behaviour following a flight from Genoa on Friday.

Mirko Oliveri, 29, and Fabio Pallotta, 26, also from Genoa, admitted obstructing a police officer. Cogorno also admitted smoking in a prohibited area.

The four were part of a 30-strong group of football supporters who had flown from Genoa to watch Sampdoria take on Crystal Palace the next day.

Harlow magistrates' court heard that during the Ryanair flight, the group became rowdy and some started smoking despite clear instructions not to. The flight crew radioed ahead requesting police assistance once they had landed.

Denise Murrin, prosecuting, said once the plane had landed, Ottino, who had her five-year-old son with her, started shouting and behaving aggressively. She said she had to be forced into her seat twice by a police officer.

Trouble flared after the group were taken off the plane and kept in a cordoned-off area while other passengers disembarked.

The fighting spread when officers drew batons and called for back-up.

In the ensuing melee, CS spray went into the eyes of Ottino's son, who was taken to hospital for treatment.

Mrs Murrin said the violence had not only disrupted the journey of other passengers but had a considerable financial impact on the airport.

Ottino and Cogorno were fined £300 each and Cogorno was fined an extra £50.

Pallotta and Oliveri were each fined £150 and all four had to pay costs of £87.

Published Tuesday August 10, 2004

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