Christopher Mitchell, 39, joined an attack on Samuel Evans at Cardiff City Stadium, which began with brothers Cory and Steven Jones. A Cardiff City fan participated in an attack on a Swansea fan who was targeted after celebrating his team’s last-minute winning goal in the rival fans’ end. The victim was punched, kicked, and stamped on throughout the attack, which was captured on video.
Christopher Mitchell, 39, attended the South Wales derby game at Cardiff City Stadium on April 1 last year. His victim, Samuel Evans, had purchased a ticket to the match in the Cardiff end after being unable to do so in the away end. At a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday, Mr Evans “instinctively” celebrated a winning Swansea goal in the 99th minute, revealing his Swansea City jersey. Cory Jones, 28, and Steven Jones, 34, were brothers and Cardiff City fans who clambered over many seats and punched the victim repeatedly. The court was shown mobile phone and CCTV images showing the defendants delivering a series of blows on Mr Evans, who had fallen to the floor. Steven Jones launched the first attack before Cory Jones stepped in and stamped, kicked, and punched the victim.
Stewards attempted to separate the two groups of fans, but when they tried to relocate Mr Evans, the defendants rushed him and proceeded to hurl punches. Mitchell also became part in the victim’s assault in the final phases, delivering several blows to his body while he was lying on the ground. Mr Evans was rushed to the hospital to be treated for his injuries, which included a haematoma in the back of his skull and a red mark on his belly. Cory and Steven Jones were eventually arrested and sentenced to 15 months and 12 months in prison, respectively, with both suspended for two years. Both were subjected to five-year football bans.
It took longer to find Mitchell. He was originally from Ael y Bryn, North Cornelly, Bridgend, but was identified and detained this year. The defendant later pleaded guilty to assault resulting in actual bodily harm and affray. The court heard that he has three previous convictions. Representing himself, the offender assured the court that he would “never do something so stupid again”. According to his probation report, he was high on cocaine and alcohol at the time of the assault. He is supposed to work away from home as a carpenter to support his daughter.
Judge Lucy Crowther stated during her sentencing that the victim did not deserve to be abused and had done nothing to you. “There could have been widespread public disorder.”
Mitchell was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 30 days of alcohol abstinence monitoring, pay £500 in restitution, £150 in expenses, and serve a five-year football ban.
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