Twelve Men Charged with Manslaughter Over Football Fan's Death
Twelve men have been formally charged with the manslaughter of Cambridge United supporter Simon Dobbin, who suffered permanent brain damage in a violent assault in 2015 and tragically died five years later. The charges mark a significant development in a case that has spanned nearly a decade, highlighting ongoing efforts to deliver justice for the victim and his family.
Details of the Assault and Subsequent Death
Simon Dobbin, a 48-year-old married father and former RAF serviceman, was attacked in Southend, Essex, in March 2015. The incident occurred as he was returning home from watching his team, Cambridge United, play against Southend United. The violence reportedly flared outside the Railway Tavern pub, leaving Mr. Dobbin with severe and irreversible brain injuries.
Following the assault, Mr. Dobbin required round-the-clock care, which was provided by his family at their home in Mildenhall, Suffolk. Despite their dedicated efforts, he passed away in October 2020, with his death directly linked to the injuries sustained during the attack.
Legal Proceedings and Charges Authorised
On Wednesday, Essex Police announced that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised manslaughter charges against twelve individuals. The CPS confirmed that prosecutors from their Complex Casework Unit collaborated extensively with Essex Police to review evidence from both the initial incident and the subsequent investigation into Mr. Dobbin's death.
Rebecca Mundy, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, stated: "We have established that there is sufficient evidence to charge twelve people with the offence of manslaughter and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings." The charged men, all from Essex, are scheduled to appear before Colchester Magistrates' Court on March 31.
Statements from Authorities and Family
Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings of Essex Police emphasised the complexity of the investigation, noting: "This is a significant milestone in an extremely complex investigation, and comes as the result of the professionalism, dedication and hard work from a team of highly skilled officers and staff." He also appealed for public restraint to ensure a fair trial, acknowledging the emotional impact of the case.
Mr. Jennings extended gratitude to Mr. Dobbin's family, including his wife Nicole and daughter Emily, for their patience and unwavering support throughout the prolonged investigative process. The family has endured immense hardship since the attack, with Mr. Dobbin's prior role as a transport manager for a fuel company cut short by the life-altering injuries.
List of the Charged Individuals
The twelve men facing manslaughter charges are:
- Greg Allen, 37, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex
- Ryan Carter, 40, 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, Essex
- Michael Shawyer, 40, of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
- Alexander Woods, 33, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex
- James Woods, 33, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex
This case underscores the severe consequences of football-related violence and the lengthy judicial processes involved in such tragic incidents. As the legal proceedings move forward, the focus remains on achieving accountability for Mr. Dobbin's untimely death.
