A STREAKER ran naked across the pitch at a Bury FC league match, wearing only his trainers, for a £70 bet, a court was told.

Philip Stapleton streaked across the Gigg Lane pitch on Boxing Day, during the game against Grimsby.

Stapleton, aged 26, from Collyhurst, Manchester, appeared before Bury Magistrates for sentence after earlier pleading guilty to causing alarm and distress by exposing himself, and also to going on to the pitch without lawful authority or excuse.

The court heard how Stapleton had been drinking with friends before the game and agreed to a £70 bet to streak across the pitch.

Stapleton admitted the offence at Bury police station and said that he knew the streak would upset members of the public.

Defending, Mr Graham Whittingham said that it was unfortunate for Stapleton that he undertook the bet.

He told the court: "Mr Stapleton was very remorseful about what happened, and has had a good measure of regret, embarrassment and shame. This is an extremely foolish thing to have done and while people might have had a giggle about it, this was a family event.

"Mr Stapleton knew it was wrong as soon as he stepped on the pitch."

The bench imposed a three-year ban order on Stapleton, which will mean he will no longer be able to attend regulated football matches in England and Wales.

He was also given a fine of £500 for indecent exposure, a £200 fine for the pitch invasion and ordered to pay £69 court costs