Government could introduce increased penalty zones around sports clubs in a bid to curb the recent spate of violence.

Public Safety Minister Randy Horton met yesterday with the Commissioner of Police Jonathan Smith and has been briefed on the latest developments in the investigation into the most recent incident that flared up at the Southampton Rangers Sports Club at the weekend.

This is the third such incident.

Mr. Horton said: “I am disturbed by any instance of violence taking place anywhere in our community.

“This Ministry does not condone this kind of anti-social activity and I hope that the authorities can bring the offenders swiftly to justice.

“Our sports clubs are integral parts of the fabric of this Island and they perform an important role in the recreational experiences of spectators.

“The Government is considering a number of measures whereby the issue of violence at sports grounds might be addressed.

“Among these is a proposal to amend the Criminal Code to establish an increased penalty zone for violence at sports grounds. The Government is also considering the implementation of banning orders for offences committed in increased penalty zones under both the Misuse of Drugs Act 1972 and the amendment to the Criminal Code.

“In this way, a person convicted of an offence in an increased penalty zone could become the subject of a one-time banning order from all sporting grounds in the Island.

“It is to be noted that these kinds of banning orders have been successful in combating anti-social behaviour at sports grounds in the United Kingdom.”

Mr. Horton said the Commissioner of Police had already met with the President of the Bermuda Football Association in order to discuss strategies whereby unacceptable and sometimes criminal behaviour at sports grounds might be addressed.

“We shall continue to work with the Bermuda Football Association in these important initiatives, as we feel that a collaborative approach is the best way forward.

“I would strongly urge members of the community to co-operate fully and assist the Police and the Bermuda Football Association committee that has been set up to look into this matter.”