Post by Taxigirl on Dec 1, 2003 18:27:08 GMT
An ex-football player who was part of a mob of hooligans that ran riot in Cardiff after a football final has been jailed and banned from going to matches for six years.
Cardiff Crown Court heard how Chris Sugar, 35, who used to play for Bath City, was part of a hundred-strong crowd responsible for wrecking a pub in the city after Bristol City's victory over Carlisle in the LDV Vans final at the Millennium Stadium.
The court was told how Sugar held open doors so missiles could be thrown at police as they surrounded the pub designated for Bristol fans.
Judge John Griffiths Williams QC said women and children were shaking in fear.
"There was widespread carnage," he said.
"About 60 fans in the pub set out to confront the door staff, then the police and then to trash the pub.
"The people of Cardiff are proud of the Millennium Stadium and are pleased to welcome supporters of all sports but they do not welcome the criminal element."
The court how Sugar, and fellow fan Anthony Beaven, 19, were part of gang of fans in the Prince of Wales pub in the city.
Insurance clerk Beaven was caught on CCTV cameras tipping over a wheelie bin full of bottles which were then thrown at an advancing riot police line.
Fans caused £26,500 worth of damage to the pub.
Prosecutor Keith Thomas said: "The Prince of Wales was a designated pub for Bristol City fans but after the game there was a serious outbreak of public disorder within the pub and it was effectively wrecked."
Mr Thomas added: "There were missiles being thrown and when Sugar opened the doors these rained down on the officers. One bottle hit a police constable in the face.
"Sugar was sprayed with CS gas but taunted police saying 'come on then'."
"When he was interviewed by detectives he admitted he had been taking the mick out of the police."
Sugar from Stockwood in Bristol, admitted violent disorder and was jailed for eight months.
Beavan from St Paul's in Bristol was found guilty of violent disorder.
He was sentenced to 18 months in a Young Offenders Institute and banned from going to football games for eight years.