Simon Dobbin: Police charge 12 men with manslaughter after death of football fan following 'violent attack'
Twelve men have been charged with manslaughter following the death of football fan Simon Dobbin. Mr Dobbin was assaulted on his way home from a football match between Essex side Southend United and Cambridge United in March 2015.He travelled to watch his beloved Cambridge United play on the Essex coast from his home in Mildenhall, Suffolk.Following the attack outside the Railway Tavern, Mr Dobbin received 24-hour care from his family until his death in 2020. The case remained under active investigation by detectives throughout the intervening period.The Crown Prosecution Service today announced all 12 men will appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on March 31.Rebecca Mundy, deputy chief crown prosecutor, said: "We have established that there is sufficient evidence to charge 12 people with the offence of manslaughter and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings."She added: "The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that proceedings against the defendants are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial.Dobbin died in October 2020 | CPS"It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings."The 12 men charged with manslaughter are:Greg Allen, 37, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.Ryan Carter, 30, of HMP The Mount.Jamie Chambers, 33, of Southend-on-Sea, Essex.Lewis Courtnell, 43, of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.Philip McGill, 40, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.Scott Nicholls, 49, of Basildon, Essex.Matthew Petchey, 35, of Rochford, Essex.Rhys Pullen, 29, of Maldon, Essex.Thomas Randall, 31, of Leigh-on-Sea.Michael Shawyer, 40, of Leigh-on-Sea.Alexander Woods, 33, of Westcliff-on-Sea.James Woods, 33, of Nawton, York.Dobbins was a huge Cambridge United fan | GETTYDetective Superintendent Stephen Jennings said: "This is a significant milestone in an extremely complex investigation, and comes as the result of the professionalism, dedication, and hard work from a team of highly skilled officers and staff."Investigations such as these are challenging and can take time, it has required hundreds of hours of painstaking work to get to this stage. "Throughout this time we have worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service."He added: "Simon’s case is one that has evoked a great deal of emotion, but I would ask people to be mindful about commentary to ensure those charged are able to have a fair trial.Nicole Dobbin, the widow of Simon Dobbin, speaking at an Essex Police press conference, alongside their daughter, Emily Dobbin | PA"I want to thank Simon’s family - his wife Nicole and daughter Emily - for their patience and unwavering support for our team.”Mr Dobbin travelled to Southend as his beloved Cambridge United chased promotion from League Two.He was attacked while walking to Prittlewell Railway Station.The Suffolk father sustained serious injuries and was left unable to walk or talk before his death.
