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SAFC groundsman charged over violence
A SUNDERLAND AFC groundsman is among fans charged with violence at Newcastle Central Station.
John Richmond was one of 12 supporters who appeared before Sunderland magistrates, accused of violent disorder against police after returning from the Black Cats' pre-season friendly in Edinburgh on August 8.
The 45-year-old, of Fordfield Road, Ford Estate, did not enter a plea, but it was said he intends to deny the charge and had himself been injured in the incident which has caused controversy among fans.
None of the fans who appeared in court entered a plea yesterday, and all cases were adjourned to return to magistrates on April 12, for committal to crown court.
The others in court were Jason Jameson, 40, of Maud Street, Fulwell; Christopher Burdess, 21, of Countess Close, Seaham; Peter Jones, 47, of Benfleet Avenue, Town End Farm; David Brooke, 36, of Association Road, Roker; and Mark Wright, 23, of Windermere Road, Seaham.
Also, John Meek Dunn, 40, of Maria Street, New Silksworth; Gavin Foster, 22, of Glebe Drive, Seaham; Michael Adrian Winch, 27, of James Street, Southwick; Joeseph Gerrard Hatton, 38, of Wareness Street, Pallion; Gary David Horwood, 36, of Woodland Drive, High Barnes; and Frederick Potter, 51, of Colchester Terrace, High Barnes.
"This was large-scale football disorder, involving football fans in relation to police officers," said Lee Crozier, prosecuting.
"The crown would say that this is a matter that should clearly be dealt with by the crown court."
Mr Crozier said that the atmosphere at Central Station changed as fans went by the ticket office on platform two, from one of "buoyant drunkenness" to "very nasty and very aggressive".
All of those in court yesterday were given bail subject to conditions including their home address and not being allowed within a specified area around the Stadium of Light on match days – akin to a temporary football banning order.
Conditions were varied in some cases because of work issues or where defendants live close to the Stadium of Light.
Eight more Black Cats fans will appear before city magistrates tomorrow, also charged with violent disorder over the same incident.
Fifteen other people, aged between 17 and 51, believed to be Newcastle United supporters, have been charged with conspiracy to commit violent disorder and will appear before magistrates in the city on February 17.
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Monday 21 May 2012
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