Rotherham man among 12 sentenced following post-derby “violent disorder”

Jack Morley (30), of Maple Grove, Aston, was given an 18-month community order and ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work for his part in the trouble which flared at the Bloo88 pub on West Street in Sheffield in the early hours of March 5, 2019.

Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United had clashed in an EFL Championship match at Hillsborough Stadium the previous day.

Bottles and chairs thrown were thrown during the fighting, several people required hospital treatment and “considerable damage” was caused to the pub.

Details of the sentences have now been issued by police following the conclusion of the last trial in relation to the disorder.

In all, 24 men aged between 22 and 52 were charged in connection with the incident.

Eleven defendants pleaded guilty, with the remaining suspects appearing at trials starting in March and November 2022.

The final trial concluded on December 16.

Jack Morley (30) of Maple Grove, Rotherham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was sentenced on July 13, 2022 to an 18-month community order, with 80 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation.

The following men were also sentenced at hearings at Sheffield Crown Court and Teesside Crown Court between July 13, 2022 and January 6:

The other defendants - all from Sheffield - receives sentences as follows for violent disorder:

Brad Nicholson (24), of Herries Road, Sheffield: (also admitted GBH): two years; six-year football banning order. 

Mark Foster (52) of Granby Way, Plymouth: 15 months in prison; six-year football banning order. 

Tom Mulgrew (27) of Berry Home Drive, Sheffield: nine months in prison; six-year football banning order. 

Callum Warsop (27) of Gleadless Common: nine months in prison; six-year football banning order. 

Ryan Ward (32) of Springwell Crescent, Sheffield: nine months in prison; £750 compensation.

Tom Cahill (33) of Wooldale Gardens, Sheffield: 12 months in custody, suspended for two years; £500 in compensation.

Aaron Swiffen (30) of Peveril Close, Sheffield: nine-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years; £500 compensation.

Adam Birch (35) of Hollybank Drive: nine months suspended for two years; £500 compensation.

Reece Ellis (27) of Brook Green, Sheffield: three month suspended for two years; 90 alcohol rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Josh Moody (31) of Birley Spa Lane, Sheffield: 18-month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work.

Carter Dobson (26) of Blyth Road, Retford, was convicted of found guilty of violent disorder last March. He was sentenced on July 13, 2022 to a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years and ordered to pay £750 compensation.

Elian Appleby (22), Dane Appleby (32) and Loui Appleby (29), all of White Lane, Sheffield were cleared of violent disorder, along with Harvey Hinkler (22) of Alnwick Road, Sheffield.

The following four men were found not guilty of violent disorder by a jury on December 16, 2022: Christian Smith (35) of Rose Hill Close, Sheffield; Jack Hall (27) of Smalldale Road, Sheffield;Jake Williamson (30) of Queen Street, Sheffield; Julian Lawrence (30) of Fleury Road, Sheffield.

Four other men - whose names were not released - were also found not guilty of violent disorder by a jury on the same date.

Det Chief Insp Graham Bulmer, deputy senior investigating officer for the investigation, said: “This was a complex investigation, but I am satisfied to see that those who played a part on that appalling night are now facing the consequences of their actions.

“We want to see fans out supporting their teams, and on the whole we see fans behaving amicably, but we will not and do not tolerate disorder. 

“This particular night left people injured, premises damaged and put undue pressure on emergency services colleagues.

“I trust those involved feel ashamed and remorseful over their actions.

“We have dedicated officers who support matches that take place across South Yorkshire, and we will continue to work closely with clubs and partner agencies to keep our communities safe for the true fans of football who simply want to enjoy a day out and support their team.”