Sunderland fans in court over Newcastle Central Station stand-off

Feb 9 2010 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

During a hearing at Sunderland Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Lee Crozier, prosecuting, said violence flared when officers tried to escort fans on to a waiting Metro after their trip from Scotland. But when they reached the ticket office the group erupted in rage and began attacking officers and police dogs, it is claimed. Mr Crozier said: “There were at least two statements from guards on the train outlining the behaviour of the fans in a very negative fashion. Once they came back to Newcastle they were met by police who tried to cordon them off and escort them to the Metro platform.

“The atmosphere quickly changed from being one of drunkenness to an atmosphere that was nasty and very aggressive. The group started bouncing and then rushed the police and attacked officers before turning on the police dogs.”

Also charged with violent disorder are Peter Jones, 47, of Town End Farm, Sunderland; Jason Jameson, 40, of Maud Street, Fulwell, Sunderland; and David Brook, 36, of Association Road, Roker, Sunderland.

Christopher Burdess, 21, of Countess Close, Seaham, County Durham also appeared in court yesterday, alongside Marc Wright, 23, of Windermere Road, Seaham, County Durham; John Dunn, 40, of Maria Street, Sunderland; Gavin Foster, 22, of Glebe Drive, Seaham, County Durham; and Michael Winch, 26, James Street, Southwick, Sunderland; Joseph Hatton, 38, Warennes Street, in Ford Estate, Sunderland; Gary Horwood, 36, of Woodland Drive, High Barnes, Sunderland; Frederick Potter, 51, Colchester Terrace, High Barnes, Sunderland.

None of the accused entered a plea and all were released on conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Crown Court on April 12.