A Swansea City fan has been jailed for his part in a “vile and despicable” violent brawl between Swans fans and Bristol City supporters.
Leigh Phillips, 53, of Swansea , became involved in clashes against opposing fans before, during, and after the game at Ashton Gate stadium in Bristol on February 2.
Shocking scenes of supporters from both sides brawling were caught on footage taken by fans with police stating that “a large group of Swansea fans seemed to have arrived in Bristol with the intention of drinking to excess and seeking confrontation”.
At a sentencing hearing at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday Judge Lynn Matthews described Phillips’ behaviour as “vile” and “despicable”.
She said people living in Bristol were “sick and tired” of football violence from both home and away supporters. She added: “I do not accept any criticism at all of the police in the park or their actions on the day. They were up against louts and hooligans and did the best job they could.”
Phillips, was jailed for eight weeks after pleading guilty to public order offences. He also received a six-year football banning order (FBO).
His co-defendant David Darch, 32, of Wellington, Somerset, was jailed for 16 weeks after pleading guilty to a public order offence and was also made at subject to a six-year FBO.
The hearing also saw Kelvin Dunn, 24, of Llanelli , given a six-week suspended sentence, ordered to carry 200 hours unpaid work, and made subject to a four-year FBO.
Alexander Wilkinson, 36, of Swansea, was given a six-week suspended sentence, ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work, and made subject to a four-year FBO.
Murray Sykes, 24, from Bristol was given a 12-week suspended sentence, 200 hours unpaid work, a £150 fine, and a five-year FBO. All three admitted public order offences.
Paul Morgan, 40, from Bristol, was given a three-year FBO after pleading guilty to pitch incursion. At an earlier hearing, Ryan Greenslade, 26, of Brislington, Bristol, was jailed for 12 weeks and made subject to a six-year FBO.
Speaking after the hearing detective inspector David Lewis of Avon and Somerset Police said: “We’re working with Bristol City FC, Ashton Gate Stadium and Swansea City FC, as well as British Transport Police and South Wales Police colleagues, on this complex investigation.
“This behaviour has no place in football. We are all committed to working together to deal robustly with any football-related offences which have such a negative impact on Bristol.”
