Twelve men charged with manslaughter of football fan

Twelve men have been charged with the manslaughter of football fan Simon Dobbin.

Dobbin was assaulted outside the Railway Tavern in Southend-on-Sea in Essex in March 2015 following a match between Cambridge United and Southend United.

The dad from Mildenhall, Suffolk, died in October 2020 after suffering a brain injury as a result of the attack.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had now decided to prosecute 12 men in connection with his death and all the defendants will appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on 31 March.

Rebecca Mundy, deputy chief crown prosecutor, said the CPS had worked closely with Essex Police to examine and review material obtained during previous investigations.

"We have established that there is sufficient evidence to charge 12 people with the offence of manslaughter and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings," she said.

Mundy warned people about the risks of commenting about the case online.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that proceedings against the defendants are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial," she said.

"It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings."

The 12 men charged with manslaughter are:

• Greg Allen, 37, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex
• Ryan Carter, 30, of HMP The Mount
• Jamie Chambers, 33, of Southend-on-Sea, Essex
• Lewis Courtnell, 43, of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
• Philip McGill, 40, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex
• Scott Nicholls, 49, of Basildon, Essex
• Matthew Petchey, 35, of Rochford, Essex
• Rhys Pullen, 29, of Maldon, Essex
• Thomas Randall, 31, of Leigh-on-Sea
• Michael Shawyer, 40, of Leigh-on-Sea
• Alexander Woods, 33, of Westcliff-on-Sea
• James Woods, 33, of Nawton, York

Det Supt Stephen Jennings of Essex Police said it was a "significant milestone in an extremely complicated investigation".

"Simon's case is one that has evoked a great deal of emotion, but I would ask people to be mindful about commentary to ensure those charged are able to have a fair trial," he added.

Dobbin was with Cambridge United fans who had travelled to Southend as the club chased promotion from League Two.

After the match he was walking to Prittlewell station when he and a number of other fans were attacked.

He sustained serious injuries and was left unable to walk or talk before his death.