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SAFC groundsman charged after Newcastle 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 while returning form a 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.
None of the fans who appeared in court entered a plea yesterday and all cases were adjourned to return to magistrates court on April 12, for committal to crown court.
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; Joseph Gerrard Hatton, 38, of Warennes 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 residence and not being allowed within a specified area around the Stadium of Light on match days – akin to a temporary football banning order.
The application of conditions was labelled "draconian" when they were unsuccessfully challenged by solicitors in three cases.
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 regarding 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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Weather for Sunderland
Friday 10 February 2012
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Temperature: -3 C to 2 C
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