Fans sentenced over ‘mindless’ violence during street and station disorder

Sentencing at Leeds Crown Court yesterday Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said custody was appropriate for such behaviour on May 19 last year, a day when a playoff final involving Blackpool and West Ham was being televised.

After drinking in pubs CCTV footage showed a number of the Leeds supporters “fuelled by alcohol and peer group pressure” in a confrontation with Huddersfield fans in Market Street with bottles and punches being thrown.

Later some of the Leeds group were in further disorder at the railway station with two Bradford City fans, Daniel Farrer and Vinnie Eastman who were chased on to the railway line, forcing services to stop.

Judge Marson said “It is not just the violence intent this embraces it is also the level of fear caused to members of the public. This was relatively prolonged mob violence.”

“Those who participate in extreme violence in a public place to the fear of others, must 
expect immediate custodial sentences.”

Jack Harley, 20, of Ingram Close, Holbeck, Leeds was sent to a young offender institution for 18 months after admitting the violent disorder in Market Street, affray and obstructing the railway line. Farrer, 19, of Westcombe Court, Wyke, Bradford, and Eastman, 20, from High Wycombe, Bucks, also each received 18 months in a young offender institution for affray and obstruction.

Sentenced to 15 months in a young offender institution were Andrew Hamblin, 20, from Reading and Jordan Coyle, 20, of Church Road, Batley, who admitted violent disorder, Elliot Burniston, 18, of Wesley Croft, Beeston, Leeds, and Dale Kellett, 18, of Allenby Drive, Beeston, who both admitted violent disorder, affray and obstruction; and Connor Charlton, 18 of Northcote 
Green, Beeston, who admitted affray.

Five youths who cannot be identified were given detention and training orders and a 15-year-old was given a referral order. Huddersfield fans involved will be sentenced later.