Duane Anthony, 40, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of non-league footballer Tyler Fairman and five counts of attempted murder after a car was driven into a group of pedestrians in Arnold, Nottinghamshire. The incident occurred on Market Place in the early hours of May 9, following an end-of-season night out for Fairman's team, Woodthorpe Park Rangers.
Court appearance
Anthony appeared at Nottingham Crown Court via video link from HMP Manchester. During the 18-minute hearing, he spoke only to confirm his name and enter pleas. Defence barrister Sue Rodham told the court that Anthony did not dispute being the driver of the Vauxhall Astra but had "no intention to kill or to cause really serious bodily harm."
Anthony also denied a charge of driving while disqualified. The Recorder of Nottingham, Judge Nirmal Shant KC, adjourned the case, scheduling a pre-trial hearing for September 2 and a trial starting October 7.
Victim and community impact
Tyler Fairman, 26, was a father-of-one and expecting a baby girl. His team, Woodthorpe Park Rangers, confirmed that three members, including the manager, were involved in the incident. In a tribute, Fairman's family said: "There are no words now, nor will there ever be, to truly describe how broken this has left us all. Our hearts are shattered, and the world has become a much darker place without him in it."
Numerous friends and relatives watched proceedings from the public gallery. The five other individuals Anthony is accused of attempting to murder are all adults.
