Pitch invader prosecuted

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today confirmed that a 26-year-old male who came on to the playing area at Old Trafford during the final npower Test Match against Sri Lanka appeared before Trafford magistrates on 18 June and pleaded guilty to the offence of 'Aggravated Trespass' (Section 68 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act). He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay costs.

Tim Lamb, Chief Executive of the ECB, said: "I am delighted that our hard work during the winter is paying off. It demonstrates the close co-operation and determination of the ECB, match venues, police and government in keeping spectators off the playing area.

"In advance of the NatWest Series it sends the clear message that we will not tolerate supporters coming on to the pitch and that, if they do so, they will find themselves subject to criminal prosecution."