A judge has condemned a group of young Leeds United supporters for their mindless and senseless violence during disorder in Huddersfield.
Sentencing at Leeds Crown Court, Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said custody was appropriate for such behaviour on May 19 last year, adding: “This was relatively prolonged mob violence.”
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 trouble at the railway station involving two Bradford City fans, Daniel Farrer and Vinnie Eastman who were chased onto the railway line forcing services to stop.
“Those who participate in extreme violence in a public place to the fear of others, must expect immediate custodial sentences,” the judge said.
Jack Harley, 20 of Ingram Close, Holbeck, Leeds was sent to a young offender institution for 18 months after admitting violent disorder in Market Street and affray and obstructing the railway line. Farrer, 19 of Westcombe Court, Wyke, Bradford, and Eastman, 20 from High Wycombe, also 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 aged 16 and 17, who cannot be identified were given detention and training orders of either eight or 12 months and a 15-year-old was given a referral order. Huddersfield fans involved will be sentenced later.