43-year ban for hooligans

Three men were jailed over the pre-arranged brawl involving up to 30 yobs outside The Frying Pan pub in Darlaston.

A judge said the trouble could be a sign that football-related trouble was enjoying a resurgence. The fight was said to have been organised over the phone, with the threat of vandalism against one of the gang's houses if it did not happen.

Albion hooligans descended on the pub on the evening of January 2 last year – the day the Baggies played Aston Villa and Wolves were away to Coventry.

Police footage of the battle was shown to Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday, which was told that sticks, a spanner, a screwdriver, chisel and plank of wood with a screw sticking out of it were discarded at the scene.

One person was injured and at least two others were sprayed with CS gas by a rival hooligan.

Albion fans James Wiles, John Lloyd and Karl Rosewarne admitted violent disorder, while John Ritchie, Robert Bernard, Jason Lloyd and security guard John Poole pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of affray.

Wolves louts Gilroy Shaw, Richard Kent and Luke Wildman also admitted their part in the trouble. All three were given three-year banning orders, while Shaw aged 38, of Selwyn Road, Walsall, was given a three-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Miss Jane Sarginson, prosecuting, said Wolves and Albion hooligans had taken the bus or taxis to the Bilston Street pub at around 8pm.

She said John Lloyd, 45, who now lives in Spain, was at the forefront of the trouble. Lloyd, who was with his 21-year-old son Jason, was said to have traded blows with notorious Wolves hooligan Shaw before himself being struck by a Pc's baton.

Recorder Mr Patrick Thomas QC said the violence was "perfectly disgraceful". He told the Albion fans that some of them appeared to show an "enjoyment of acts of violence".

The recorder said: "It's clear to me that this was a pre-arranged incident. The public is entitled to the support of the courts in trying to stop this kind of event taking place ever again."

These are the West Bromwich Albion yobs who appeared in the dock at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday – along with details of their punishments and previous convictions.

John Ritchie, aged 26, of Carisbrooke Road, Wednesbury: Has previous convictions for assault, GBH and a football-related affray last year. He was given a curfew for four months, meaning he must stay at home between 8pm and 7am. Given a four-year banning order.

Robert Bernard, aged 42, of Phoenix Rise, Wednesbury: Shouted "later, later" to Wolves fans earlier in the day. Three previous convictions. Given 80 hours unpaid community work over the next year and a four-year banning order

Jason Lloyd, aged 21, of Leicester: Previous public order conviction for his role in "large-scale disorder". Handed 80 hours unpaid community work, three-month curfew meaning he must stay at home between 9pm and 7am, and four-year banning order.

Now studying for a degree at university in Leicester and hoping for a career in journalism. The Recorder told him: "You are trying to make something really decent out of your life. You could very well have served your first short sentence of imprisonment."

James Wiles, aged 20, of Hall Street, Darlaston: Previous conviction in 2004 for "large-scale disorder" related to a Baggies vs Cardiff city match. Kicked out during the Frying Pan trouble. Given 12 months in a young offenders' institute and a six-year banning order.

John Lloyd, aged 45, now lives in Spain: Numerous convictions going back to the 1970s including assault, handling stolen goods, drink-driving and perverting the course of justice. He was jailed for 18 months and given a six-year football banning order.

The Recorder told him: "Your responsibility is the greatest."

John Poole, aged 24, of Simmons Drive, Quinton, Birmingham: No previous convictions. Given 40 hours of unpaid community work, four-year banning order and £200 costs. Has served with the military in Kosovo and Iraq.

The Recorder told him: "You have served your country well. You are plainly a man who has a large amount to offer and you nearly threw all of that away by getting yourself into this trouble."

Karl Rosewarne, aged 38, of Georgian Gardens, Wednesbury – No previous convictions. Threw punches during the trouble. Given nine months jail and six year banning order

Recorder Mr Patrick Thomas QC told the men: "What you were involved in is public disorder of a significant kind, from which the public is entitled to receive and will receive from this court, protection."

He praised police for their quick intervention.