England dressing room intruder

A FAN who walked into the England team dressing room after a World Cup match will not face a criminal trial after he agreed to pay a fine, a South African Court ruled yesterday.

Pavlos Joseph, 32, was arrested for entering the England changing room following the side’s disappointing goalless draw against Algeria on June 18.

His solicitor told Cape Town Magistrates’ Court that prosecutors had dropped further charges against Joseph after he paid a 750 rand (€80) fine for trespassing.

The incident sparked concern about lax security during Africa’s first hosting of the tournament.

South African police have since charged British tabloid journalist Simon Wright with helping Joseph gain access to the dressing room.

Police accuse the journalist from the Sunday Mirror tabloid of orchestrating the incident. The newspaper has denied its reporter was guilty of wrongdoing. Wright’s case was adjourned to July 7.