I'm free!: Suspended sentence for Southend United's Ryan Hall!

No more porridge at Her Majesty's expense for Ryan Hall!

In a major boost to Southend United's play-off hopes the judge at Basildon Crown Court has approved the influential Ryan Hall's application for a reduced sentence on the charge of affray which he pleaded guilty to last week and originally had to spend 10 weeks inside.

And though the 20-weeks remains, half of that will no longer be a custodial one and it will be completly suspended over that period of time, but Ryan will have to finish 150 hours of community service.

This will allow the talented winger to play against Steve Tilson's Lincoln City on Saturday, and to see out the rest of the season as long as he doesn't do anything remotely naughty while away from serving at Her Majesty's Pleasure.

Nobody is condoning what Ryan did, however he was under extreme provication and common sense has prevailed which is not always the case out there in the legal jungle.

This is great news for Ryan Hall, his family, the club, and their long suffering supporters.

The Hall Saga (from the start!)

Before the original verdict:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
southend_united_await_decision_day_as_ryan_hall_returns_to_court_
652833/index.shtml

After the original verdict:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
southend_uniteds_ryan_hall_receives_20week_custodial_sentence_652855/
index.shtml

Tough week ahead:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
sturrock_faces_shrimpers_week_of_destiny_we_have_to_realise_
we_havent_achieved_anything_yet_653072/index.shtml

Get's Luggy's blessing:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
sturrock_people_deserve_a_second_chance_in_life_
ryan_hall_will_play_for_this_football_club_again_653420/index.shtml