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Video surveillance from Ralph Wilson Stadium that showed Robert Hopkins slide down a rail before falling from the upper deck and injuring another fan was the key to his conviction Monday, prosecutors said. “The video speaks for itself,” Assistant District Attorney Michael Drmacich said, “and I think that the jury came to the same conclusion.

It’s great to have video evidence of a crime taking place. It makes it a lot easier as a prosecutor.” The footage from the Nov. 17 Bills-New York Jets game revealed that between the first and second quarter, Hopkins, 29 of Buffalo slid partway down the metal railing on the edge of Section 339 and climbed back up to his seat multiple times before falling backward on his fifth slide.

He tumbled 20 to 25 feet and landed on Mark Bratcher, 29, in the 200 level below. After a four-day trial and 24 minutes of deliberations, the six-member Orchard Park Town Court jury Tuesday convicted Robert Hopkins of second-degree reckless endangerment and third-degree assault, both misdemeanors. He could face up to a year in jail on each count. Sentencing is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sept. 11.