October 3rd 2023.
Jermain Defoe, the ex-footballer, has spoken of his shock and sadness after a man admitted to mocking the death of child mascot Bradley Lowery in a Sheffield Magistrates' Court yesterday. Dale Houghton, 31, from Rotherham, pleaded guilty to the public order offence and was heard to be high on cocaine while watching Sheffield Wednesday lose 3-0 against Sunderland FC at Hillsborough Stadium.
Defoe and Bradley forged a close friendship while the former was playing for Sunderland, and he expressed his thoughts on the situation. "My thoughts at this time go out to Gemma and Carl, Bradley's parents, who shouldn't have to deal with incidents like this, but rather be praised for the amazing work they are doing with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in their son's memory," he said.
"I urge the public to stand behind the family and continue to support the foundation and its projects. Bradley was one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen, and he will never stop inspiring us. We love and miss you Brad. Love, your best friend forever."
In court, District Judge James Gould condemned the actions of Houghton as "utterly deplorable" and warned that he could face jail time. He will be sentenced on 17 November. Gemma Lowery, Bradley's mother, also spoke out, saying how she found out about the incident on Facebook and that it was "unforgivable" to use her son's image to get a reaction from the Sunderland fans.
The incident has sparked an outpouring of support for the Bradley Lowery Foundation, a charity set up after the school boy's death, with more than £11,000 being raised in the aftermath. The funds will go towards a holiday home for the families of terminally-ill children the foundation is building in Scarborough, which they have referred to as Super Brads Pad.
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