Clerk accused of hooliganism

An accounts clerk with South West Water in Exeter is at the centre of a debate on the legal and professional repercussions of World Cup hooliganism.

Neal Harris was bailed by a French court until 14 August for allegedly smashing the window of a bar in disturbances before the England v Tunisia match on 15 June.

A spokesman for South West Water said Harris, who was on leave, held a clerical post and was not seeking qualification with any professional institutes. The company understood he was facing a charge in France, but would not speculate on his position until it knew the full circumstances, said the spokesman.

CIMA director of professional standards Mark Hayward joined the debate, warning chartered management accountants that they must act in a way that is consistent with the good reputation of the profession.

He warned against accepting World Cup tickets if they represented excessive corporate hospitality and cautioned members about ringing in sick to watch important matches.