Rival football fan jailed for marring Leeds United's centenary celebrations by running onto Elland Road pitch and sparking widespread violent disorder

Callum Walker-Jackson was locked up for 18 months over his actions which led to stewards and police officers being punched, kicked and spat at by around 30 away fans as violence erupted at the end of the EFL Championship match on October 19 last year.

Leeds Crown Court heard the 22-year-old broke free from stewards and ran onto the pitch as animosity between supporters "reached boiling point" at the end of Leeds' 1-0 victory over the West Midland's clubs.

A large group of Birmingham fans then attacked police and stewards in a bid to stop Walker-Jackson from being arrested when he ran back into the crowd.

Carmel Pearson, prosecuting, said police feared they would be overwhelmed and stewards were terrified.

One male steward suffered a head and back injury after being knocked to the ground and punched and kicked by Birmingham City supporters.

A female steward had her head stamped on.

Miss Pearson said Ian Crawford, who at the time was Leeds United operations director, said in a statement “They were demonstrating a real hatred towards the stewards and police who were present, and I would say this is the worst violence I have seen in over ten years.”

Mr Crawford suffered an injury to his eye and had to have an operation on his eyelid.

Miss Pearson said one steward told police: "It felt like a war zone. I was concerned for my own safety, my colleagues and also the police officers.”

Leeds United's 100 year anniversary celebrations were planned at the end of the match and a significant number of Birmingham City fans remained in the stadium after the final whistle.

People were also injured when coins were thrown between both sets of supporters.

Some Birmingham City fans later got on to Elland Road and bottles and traffic cones were thrown during confrontations with Leeds United fans.

Walker-Jackson was among five defendants sentenced yesterday (September 2) after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

Josh Sherratt, described in court as Walker-Jackson's 'wing-man', was jailed for 12 months.

The court heard Sherratt 'was in the thick of the brawl' and was caught on camera throwing coins.

Bradley Guinivan was locked up for 13 months after the court heard he filmed himself taking part in the disturbance.

Two others avoided immediate custodial sentences.

The five defendants are among 26 men and two youths charged with violent disorder following a series of public appeals for information.

Sentencing, Judge Andrew Stubbs QC said: "The 19th of October last year should have been a day of celebration for Leeds United because it marked the centenary of the formation of the club.

"However the day started, it certainly did not end with any sort of celebration at all.

"Chants were exchanged and the level of animosity between two sets of supporters reached and exceeded boiling point.

"The inescapable conclusion is that the Birmingham City fans, by design and not by accident, were running towards trouble.

"By sheer force of numbers, the task of stewards and police were made much more difficult.

"Officers and stewards with many years of experience described their fear of being overwhelmed and being extremely scared for their safety."

Describing the footage of the incident, the judge said: "The noise is deafening and the atmosphere terrifying as that thin line of stewards and officers were effectively under attack from both sides.

"The situation escalated dramatically when you Callum Walker-Jackson evaded stewards and ran on to the pitch, gesturing provocatively to the Leeds fans.

"It is plain that public order had completely broke down."

Those sentenced yesterday were: Callum Walker-Jackson, 22, of Pear Tree Road, Birmingham, jailed for 18 months and given a six-year football banning order.

Josh Sherratt, 23, of Longshaw Grove, Birmingham, jailed for 12 months and given a six-year football banning order.

Bradley Guinivan, 24, Woodclose Road, Fordbridge, Solihull, was jailed for 13 months. He was given a six-year football banning order.

Lewis Beale, 20, Longstone Road, Birmingham. Sentenced to six months in a young offender institution, suspended for 12 months, plus 140 hours unpaid. He was given a three-year banning order.

James Mahon-Ashcroft, 18, of Deepdale Avenue, Birmingham, was made the subject of an 18-month community order with 100 hours unpaid work plus a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement. He was given a three-year football banning order.