Twelve men jailed for violent disorder in Brighton

Twelve men who were charged with violent disorder following an organised fight in Brighton have been jailed.

 

The fight among 'football fans' was held in Grove Hill, Brighton, on Saturday 31 July, 2010 in the afternoon. Police received a total of 28 calls relating to the fight from the public and 20 officers arrived within minutes to deal with the incident.

 

It happened as Brighton and Hove Albion FC played a pre-season friendly match against Aberdeen.

 

The 12 arrested and later charged all pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

 

Martin Asli, 48, of Greenhaven Drive, London, was jailed for three years and six months, Steven Davidson, 31, of Algers Mead, Loughton, Essex, was sentenced to two years and three months, Steven White, 45, of Church Street, London, was jailed for 15 months, Stuart McCullough, 22, of Seaton Road, Littlehampton, was given a 15-month jail sentence, Harvey Siney, 19, of Margery Road, Hove, was jailed for 12 months, Dante Lauder-Hawkins, 22, of Exmoor Street, London, received a two year custodial sentence, Matthew Clayton, 25, of Highdown Drive, Littlehampton, was jailed for 15 months and Jamie Lowe, 43, of Mile Oak Road, Portslade, received 13 months in jail.

 

Kali Hagenstede, 22, of Joyce Avenue, London, was jailed for two years and six months, David Prowse, 34, of Sompting Road, Lancing, Matthew Cummins, 34, of Wantley Hill Estate, Henfield and Ben Goodwin, 22, of Foredown Drive, Portslade, were all jailed for 12 months each.

 

All received six-year football banning orders except Lauder-Hawkins and Hagenstede who have already received banning orders in August 2011.

 

The sentencing took place yesterday (Wednesday) at Hove Crown Court.

 

Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett said: "We are pleased that the sentences they received reflect the seriousness of this incident. Football is about the enjoyment of a sport not about violent disorder. I am very grateful for the support the communities, Brighton and Hove Albion and the CPS have provided to bring these people to justice.

 

"I hope the sentences will deter others who think it's acceptable to act in a similar way. Most people enjoy football and their good behaviour should not be marred by a mindless minority who harm and scare others."

A Crown Prosecution Service spokeswoman said: "We would like to pay tribute to the quick thinking and swift action of the members of the local community who through various means recorded the incident without which we wouldn't have been able to successfully prosecute. This is a case of the CPS and police working with the help of the local community to identify and prosecute football risk supporters."