Streaker fined for 'idiotic' World Cup stunt

Ephraim James McIntyre stripped and ran onto the field during the New Zealand v Sri Lanka game at...
Ephraim James McIntyre stripped and ran onto the field during the New Zealand v Sri Lanka game at Hagley Oval on February 14. Photo NZ Herald
A serial streaker who ran naked across the pitch during last month's opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in Christchurch has today been fined $1500 for his "idiotic and exhibitionist" stunt.

Ephraim James McIntyre, 26, stripped down to his socks and ran onto the field during the New Zealand v Sri Lanka game at Hagley Oval on February 14.

The tattooed Christchurch drainlayer fended a security guard before he was tackled and dragged from the ground wearing only a pair of socks.

The 18,000-strong crowd cheered as McIntyre was apprehended by police and escorted from the ground.

At Christchurch District Court today, he admitted a charge of pitch invasion under the Major Events Management Act - an offence that carries a maximum penalty of a fine of up to $5000 or imprisonment for up to three months.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Grant Neal today said McIntyre was caught about 100m onto the field in front of a capacity crowd and a global TV audience.

When he was caught, he told officers that he got a "buzz" when getting cheered on by the crowd.

It's not the first time that McIntyre has invaded a pitch.

In 2011, he ran onto the field during a rugby league match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Newcastle Knights at Greymouth - a game designed to raise money for victims of the Pike River mining disaster.

Defence counsel Miranda Rout said there was nothing original about McIntyre's exhibitionist behaviour, recalling an incident outside her law school some 16 years ago when six male students streaked past "as fast as they could" to avoid being caught.

She highlighted the recent spate of streaking which follows a strong tradition of the showmanship.

A fine was appropriate she said, as McIntyre only interrupted the event for around eight seconds.

It was "idiotic and exhibitionist behaviour" that was inspired by the "intoxication of a rapturous crowd".

"He at least made an effort to cover his genitals," Mrs Rout said.

Mrs Rout said McIntyre's exploits were "acquiring legend status" in some quarters.
Anything more than a fine could add to his "legend status" in the media, she claimed.

Judge Gary MacAskill said he would not spend much time on sentencing today, because despite the media and public attention, it was a "rather routine" offence.

He fined McIntyre $1500 and ordered him to pay court costs.

Joseph Brook, 23, allegedly streaked at the same match. He has pleaded not guilty and will reappear on April 24.

Another pitch invader, Student Fergus Watts, 21, admitted streaking naked at the England v Scotland game at Hagley Oval on February 23.

He pleaded guilty at Christchurch District Court yesterday with his defence counsel saying he would apply for a discharge without conviction.

He will be back in court on June 22.

Add a Comment