Walsall football fans in court charged over fighting
Eleven suspected football hooligans from Walsall have appeared in court charged over fighting which broke out before the team's game against Shrewsbury.
The supporters appeared at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court yesterday accused of being involved with violent disorder when trouble erupted in Shrewsbury town centre before the fixture on October 14.
Rival groups linked with the two clubs were involved in the unrest. Three police officers were injured as they tried to quell the trouble.
One 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted a public order offence of violent disorder and will be dealt with in youth court later this month.
The other defendants, who are between the ages of 25 and 56, gave no indication of a plea. They have all been charged with violent disorder.
One defendant, James Ross, 27, of Abbey Square, Walsall, has also been charged with possessing cocaine. He gave no indication of a plea.
The other men accused include Aaron Arrowsmith, 34, of Harden Road, Walsall; Samuel Bryan, 49, from Leamore Lane in Walsall; Ben Edwards, 25, of Roebuck Road, Walsall; and Michael Edwards, 56, also of Roebuck Road in Walsall.
Also among the defendants are Stephen Leonard Sr, aged 50, of Kent Street, Walsall; Stephen Leonard Jr., 27, of Roebuck Road, Walsall; Neil Robinson, 50, of Stephenson Avenue, Walsall; Dean Stone, 32, of Burgh Way, Walsall; and Mark Walters, 27, of Alumwell Road, Walsall.
The men were granted conditional bail until another hearing at magistrates court next month before the case is sent to trial at crown court. Seventeen Shrewsbury Town fans were up in court earlier this week in connection with the same violence.
