Streaker crash-tackled during Titans game faces court

The pitch invader who was crash-tackled by a security guard at a Gold Coast Titans NRL match said the incident had cost her “more than I could ever imagine” after she faced court.

The pitch invader who sidestepped a fine after running on to the field at a Gold Coast Titans NRL match has made an emotional apology to the security guard who slammed her to the ground.

Javon Johanson faced Southport Court on Tuesday morning and escaped with a good behaviour bond, avoiding a fine which could have potentially cost upwards of $5000.

Her defence lawyer Campbell MacCallum told the court Johanson had already faced “extra-curial” punishment, including ruthless personal attacks by strangers online.

Javon Johanson said she was “truly sorry” for her actions.

The security guard also copped criticism for his heavy tackle, and in a personal letter of apology, Johanson said she was “truly sorry” for what happened.

The court was told Johanson sustained injuries to her right shoulder and a finger in the textbook tackle, but she said she bore no malice towards the guard and hoped he faced no consequences for the incident.

“Due to my actions, we have both been the target of trolls and differing opinions,” she wrote.

“The truth is, had I not run onto the field that night, neither of us would be in the position I have placed both of us in.

“I sincerely hope that I have not put your employment or position into any jeopardy.

“I certainly would not support any action being taken against you.”

Titans pitch invader Javon Johanson at Southport Court on Tuesday. Picture: Adam Head

In a letter presented to Magistrate Janice Crawford, Johanson said she “took no umbrage at the way the security guard dealt with” her.

“He was merely doing his job when I put him in a position where he had to make a split-second decision to put himself at risk and take action, which was both dangerous to myself, but more importantly dangerous to his physical well-being,” she wrote.

She said the incident had cost her “more than I could ever imagine”.

“Not only have I embarrassed and disgraced myself with such juvenile behaviour, but ....my partner of three years ended our relationship due to the embarrassment I have caused him.”

“I have never done anything so stupid in my life.”

Johanson also wrote apologies to the NRL, Titans and Parramatta Eels.

A Titans spokesman declined to comment on the outcome of the case.

The security company, Stadiums Queensland and the NRL have been contacted for comment.

EARLIER

Titans streaker’s ‘extra punishment’ after security guard crash-tackle

The football pitch invader who was crash-tackled by a security guard at a Gold Coast Titans NRL match has sidestepped a hefty fine, in part due to “extra punishment” she’s already faced.

Javon Johanson became a social media sensation after getting poleaxed by security when she ran onto the field at a Titans game earlier this month.

The former junior footballer ran onto the field during the thrilling finale of the Titans’ Round 5 loss to Parramatta on April 9.

Titans pitch invader Javon Johanson said her partner ended their relationship after the streaking. Picture: Adam Head

After evading early attempts at capture she was slammed into the turf by a security guard, igniting fierce debate over whether she deserved the rough treatment.

Johanson, who later went on breakfast radio to say she deserved everything she got, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday, pleading guilty to entering a major sports facility without permission.

Defence lawyer Campbell MacCallum told the court Johanson had been subject to widespread shame and ridicule since video footage of the incident “went global”.

“She has been the subject of some fairly distasteful trolling,” he said.

He also told the court she sustained injuries to her right shoulder and a finger when she was tackled.

Javon Johanson’s lawyer said she was injured during the crash-tackle.

Magistrate Janice Crawford said Johanson was caught up in the heat of the moment and had shown remorse for her actions.

She issued a three-month good behaviour bond.

Johanson also wrote formal apologies to the CEOs of the Titans, Eels, the NRL, stadium management and the security company involved.

Pitch invaders can be fined thousands of dollars for their actions but Magistrate Crawford said she took into account Johanson’s early plea and cooperation with authorities as well as the “extra punishment” she copped from social media.

No conviction was recorded.

Johanson declined to talk to media as she left the court.