Ten men deny killing football fan by manslaughter
Family handoutTen men have denied killing a Cambridge United fan by manslaughter after a football match.
Simon Dobbin was seriously injured outside a pub after the U's drew 0-0 at Southend United on 21 March 2015.
The dad, from Mildenhall, Suffolk, was left permanently brain-damaged and died from his injuries in October 2020, aged 48.
The defendants, aged between 30 and 50, entered their pleas at Basildon Crown Court and will stand trial on 5 April.
They were all charged with manslaughter in February, almost 11 years after the alleged attack on Dobbin.
Those appearing in the dock were:
- Greg Allen, 38, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex
- Scott Nicholls, 50, of Basildon, Essex
- Lewis Courtnell, 43, of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
- Jamie Chambers, 33, of Southend-on-Sea
- Philip McGill, 41, of Westcliff-on-Sea
- Matthew Petchey, 35, of Westcliff-on-Sea
- Thomas Randall, 31, of Leigh-on-Sea
- Michael Shawyer, 41, of Leigh-on-Sea
- Alexander Woods, 34, of Westcliff-on-Sea
- James Woods, 34, of Nawton, North Yorkshire
Ryan Carter, 40, of HMP The Mount, and 30-year-old Rhys Pullen, from Maldon, Essex, also face the same charge and will enter their pleas at a later date.
Prosecutors told the court they all "acted on a common purpose" by attacking Dobbin, leading to his death years later.
They were all released on bail after the hearing.
Nicole DobbinDobbin was among the Cambridge United fans who watched the League Two clash at Roots Hall, which ended goalless.
He stayed for a post-match drink in the Blue Boar pub and was injured as he walked to Prittlewell Railway Station at about 19:40 GMT.
The supporter was left unable to walk or talk and died in his sleep from his injuries on 21 October 2020.
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