A man has been cautioned by Police following an investigation into the malicious attempt to try and get the Lofthouse 2000 Band disqualified from this year's Yorkshire Regional Championship in Bradford.

The man produced a false e-mail address in the name of the Musical Director, Andrew Whitaker, the cancellations of long standing player registrations and subsequent follow up e-mails to all competing bands accusing Lofthouse 2000 of fielding ineligible players at St George's Hall.

The actions resulted in considerable distress to the band, with the story catapulted into the pages of national newspapers and onto television and radio.

Caution

Subsequently, on 6th July, a 30 year old man from the Harrogate area was cautioned by Police in relation to the incident.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, performed at the contest in Bradford and has a strong connection to the music world within the Yorkshire area. It was confirmed that he acted alone and no one else in the banding world had any indication of his actions.

Exonerated

A thorough investigation was also implemented by the Yorkshire Regional Committee after the contest weekend, with Lofthouse 2000, who competed and won the Fourth Section event (above), completely exonerated of any wrong doing.

A spokesman for Lofthouse 2000 told 4BR: "We would like to thank West Yorkshire Police for taking this matter seriously and pursuing their investigation to its conclusion. We would also like to thank the Yorkshire Regional Committee and all the local bands for their support in this difficult time.

The actions of this person caused considerable stress and upset to Lofthouse 2000 Band and their officials as well as undermining the exceptional work that Peggy Tomlinson, contest controller on the day, and the Yorkshire Regional Contest Committee do for Yorkshire brass bands in organising the Championships."

We would like to thank West Yorkshire Police for taking this matter seriously and pursuing their investigation to its conclusionLofthouse Band

National Final

They added: "Lofthouse 2000 Band now can put this sad episode behind us and concentrate all efforts into preparation for the National Final in Cheltenham in September where we will proudly represent the Yorkshire Region."