Simon Dobbin
Simon Dobbin(Image: Family handout/PA Wire )
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11 men have appeared in court charged with the manslaughter of a dad who was a lifelong Liverpool FC fan. Simon Dobbin started supporting Cambridge United as well as the Reds in 2014.
Simon was attacked in Southend, Essex in March 2015 after watching Cambridge play Southend United. Violence had flared outside the Railway Pub. He was left permanently brain damaged and appeared on BBC DIY SOS two years after his attack, where the team adapted his home to his needs. He died in 2020.
The 11 men – aged from 29 to 49 years old and all from Essex – sat side-by-side in the dock when they appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, March 31.
They are each charged with manslaughter on October 21 2020 – the date that Mr Dobbin died, aged 48. Each defendant stood up in turn to confirm their personal details in a process that took six minutes. No pleas were taken.
Some of Simon's relatives were sitting in the packed public gallery at the back of the court.
Simon Dobbin supported Liverpool and Cambridge United
Simon Dobbin supported Liverpool and Cambridge United(Image: UGC)
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The men in the dock were: Greg Allen, 37, of Westcliff-on-Sea; Jamie Chambers, 33, of Southend-on-Sea; Lewis Courtnell, 43, of Leigh-on-Sea; Philip McGill, 41, of Westcliff-on-Sea; and Scott Nicholls, 49, of Basildon.
Their co-defendants Matthew Petchey, 35, of of Westcliff-on-Sea; Rhys Pullen, 29, of Maldon; Thomas Randall, 31, of Leigh-on-Sea; Michael Shawyer, 40, of Leigh-on-Sea; plus Alexander Woods, 34, and James Woods, 34, who are both of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, also appeared at the hearing.
Deputy district judge Natalie Plant released each defendant on unconditional bail ahead of their pre-trial and preparation hearing at Basildon Crown Court on May 1.
Former RAF serviceman Simon was working as a transport manager for a fuel company before the attack.
The married dad's family provided him with 24-hour care at home in Mildenhall, Suffolk, until his death.
Another man, Ryan Carter, 40, appeared later via videolink from HMP The Mount and was remanded in custody until the same pre-trial preparation hearing as his 11 co-defendants.
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