Twelve Face Manslaughter Charges for 2015 Death of Cambridge United Fan
Twelve men are facing manslaughter charges related to the death of Simon Dobbin, a football fan who suffered severe injuries during an assault in 2015. The incident occurred after a football match between Cambridge United and Southend United on March 21, 2015, in Southend, Essex.
Manslaughter Charges Authorized
Essex Police announced that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorized charges against twelve individuals. These men are accused of playing roles in the attack that left Dobbin, a married father and former RAF serviceman, with permanent brain damage.
Details of the Assault
- Date of Incident: March 21, 2015
- Location: Outside the Railway Tavern pub, Southend, Essex
- Victim: Simon Dobbin, aged 48 at his death in October 2020
Following the assault, Dobbin required round-the-clock care at home, as his condition deteriorated over the years due to the sustained injuries.
Identities of the Accused
The individuals charged with manslaughter are:
- Greg Allen, 37, Westcliff-on-Sea
- Ryan Carter, 40, HMP The Mount
- Jamie Chambers, 33, Southend-on-Sea
- Lewis Courtnell, 43, Leigh-on-Sea
- Philip McGill, 40, Westcliff-on-Sea
- Scott Nicholls, 49, Basildon
- Matthew Petchey, 35, Rochford
- Rhys Pullen, 29, Maldon
- Thomas Randall, 31, Leigh-on-Sea
- Michael Shawyer, 40, Leigh-on-Sea
- Alexander Woods, 33, Westcliff-on-Sea
- James Woods, 33, Westcliff-on-Sea
Official Statements
Rebecca Mundy, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, expressed that the CPS has worked diligently with Essex Police to gather evidence. She confirmed that the decision to charge was made after thorough examination of the case.
Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings emphasized the complexity of the investigation and the significant effort put forth by the police team. He remarked on the emotional aspects of the case and urged the public to respect the legal process, ensuring fairness for those charged.
Next Steps
The accused individuals are scheduled to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on March 31. The proceedings will mark a notable step in the ongoing legal journey following Simon Dobbin’s tragic death.
