Football fans sentenced following mass Burnley brawl

Twenty men and one 17 year old boy were all charged with violent disorder following “Operation Phoebe” - an investigation launched by police after trouble flared in Burnley Miners Club, Plumbe Street, after the match between Burnley FC and Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, January 18th 2014.

The violence broke out at about 6pm and left a window at the club smashed and other damage, including broken furniture.

Chief Superintendent Chris Bithell of Lancashire Police said: “The behaviour of all those involved in the disorder was disgraceful and completely unacceptable.

“While the vast majority of those who attended the fixture behaved responsibly, it is entirely regrettable that a small number of people chose to act in such a mindless fashion after the match. Throughout our investigation we have worked closely with the public and Burnley FC in order to identify those involved and I would like to thank them for their support and assistance.

“The sentences serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can engage in violent disorder at football fixtures and get away with it. We will not tolerate such violence in our county and the outcome of this investigation shows that we are determined to take action against those who act in this way and bring them to justice.”

Individual sentences given at Preston Crown Court:

Stephen Rimmer (54), of Gale Street, Rochdale, was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment and given a 10 year football banning order.

Paul Higginson (38), of Lawrence Street, Padiham, was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment and given a 10 year football banning order.

Philip Palmer (29), of Langdale Road, Padiham, was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment and given a 10 year football banning order.

Nicholas Speak (35), of Holly Street, Burnley, was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment and given a 10 year football banning order.

Anthony Speak (33), of Lower Tentre, Burnley, was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment suspended and ordered to do 200 hours of community service. He was also given a four year football banning order.

Stephen Burnley (49), of Emily Street, Burnley, was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment and given a 10 year football banning order.

Jordan Burnley (20), of Emily Street, Burnley, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and given a six year football banning order.

Christopher Ashton (18), Garsdale Avenue, Burnley, was sentenced to six months imprisonment and given a six year football banning order.

Andrew Rigg (50), of Paythorne Avenue, Burnley, was sentenced to six months imprisonment and given a six year football banning order.

Alexander Dean (23), of Mary Towneley Fold, Burnley, was sentenced to eight months imprisonment and given a six year football banning order.

Andrew Hardman (31), of Fairfield Avenue, Rossendale, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and given a six year football banning order.

Gareth Bromley (37), of Weldon Street, Burnley, was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment and given a 10 year football banning order.

Tony Holgate (42), of Tabor Street, Burnley, was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment and given a 10 year football banning order.

Gavin Ellacott (21), of Burnley Road, Colne, was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment and given a six year football banning order.

Ian Spencer (52), of Wren Street, Burnley, was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment and given a 10 year football banning order.

Timothy Wilkinson (62), of Sowclough Road, Bacup, was sentenced to five months imprisonment and given a six year football banning order.

Jordan Hosker (26), of Morse Street, Burnley, was sentenced to 11 months imprisonment and given a six year football banning order.

Lee Tattersall (43), of Bluebell Grove, Burnley, was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment and given a 10 year football banning order.

Mark Butler (23), of Deerpark Road, Burnley, was sentenced to six months imprisonment and given a six year football banning order.

Terry Wall (18), of Creswick Avenue, Burnley, was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment and given a 10 year football banning order

A 17 year old boy from Barrowford was sentenced to eight months imprisonment and given a six year football banning order.