Football related violence is no longer if it ever was the preserve of big city clubs. If anything stadia see relatively less trouble because of security measures. Instead, violence has percolated out of the grounds, and to lower league teams; and to times of the year not thought of as football months.
Nine men appeared before Salisbury Magistrates Court on January 20, charged under the Public Order Act following a disturbance involving 40 people outside Salisbury railway station including both Salisbury City and Southampton football fans on July 15, 2008.
Jonathan Peter Cottle, a 19 year old from Gainsborough Close, Salisbury, Aaron Michael Shergold, 18 from Bulbridge Road, Wilton and Benjamin James Bissington also 18, from Avon Drive, Alderbury all received 2 year community sentences and three year football banning orders.
Benjamin Smith from The Alders, Quidhampton was deferred for sentencing pending probation reports and the four remaining men pleaded not guilty and their case will be heard at a later date.
Another 16 year old male from Salisbury who had his case heard at an earlier date received a four month detention and training order and a six year football banning order but cannot be named for legal reasons.
Acting sergeant Beck Lennane, the Football Liaison Officer for Salisbury Police states;
‘These convictions send out a clear message that this type of violence will be dealt with robustly and will not be tolerated. Football banning orders are effective ways to prevent and deter disorder and we will continue to apply for these orders for any further football related incidents.
We took strong action to make early arrests and curtail the unacceptable behaviour of a small number of individuals, who is this case were intent on committing criminal offences. We have worked closely with Salisbury City Football Club and their fans throughout the course of this investigation and it is important to stress to supporters that our aim is to take robust action against the minority of fans who commit crime and assist in ensuring their club remains a safe environment in which families can enjoy football.’
Acting sergeant Lennane added; ‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank the football club and its supporters for their co-operation and the Police will continue to work with the football club and other agencies including those behind the ‘Citywatch’ and ‘Pubwatch’ schemes as well as other Police forces to ensure this type of violence is dealt with.
