A FOOTBALL fan who was left with a serious brain injury after being attacked by a gang of yobs had played no part in earlier disturbances, a court heard.

Cambridge United supporter Simon Dobbin was among a group of fans who were assaulted in East Street, Southend, at 7.15pm on March 21, 2015.

Twelve men are standing trial at Basildon Crown Court. The court heard from PC Ann Bush, who was working as a “spotter” on the day of the match.

She said she had to intervene after violence broke out in the Spread Eagle pub in Victoria Avenue shortly before kick-off.

She said: “Both sets of fans were shouting at each other. I can;t tell you what they were shouting but it was very aggressive. I did fear for the safety of people inside the pub who were not involved as well as my colleagues.

“Glasses were being thrown over the top of our heads, from both sides I believe.”

The situation eventually calmed down eventually, the groups separated and no-one reported any offences.

Another incident later took place outside the Railway Tavern shortly before the end of the game and fans had to be separated.

However, following the 0-0 draw all the Cambridge fans involved in the trouble were put onto coaches and left the town.

Andrew Jackson, prosecuting, said she checked the Blue Boar, where Mr Dobbin was drinking, and no “risk” fans remained.

She said: “None of those were recognised as being involved in any of the earlier problems.”

PC Bush said: “That’s correct.”

Twelve men deny violent disorder and conspiracy to commit violent disorder. They are: Ryan Carter, 21, of York Road, Southend; Jamie Chambers, 24, of Coleman Street, Southend; Lewis Courtnell, 33, of Stadium Road, Southend; Philip McGill, 32, of Hornby Avenue, Westcliff; Scott Nicholls, 40, of Little Spenders, Basildon; Michael Shawyer, 31, of Belgrave Road, Leigh; Greg Allen, 29, of Western Avenue, Westcliff; Thomas Randall, 22, of Seaforth Avenue, Southend; Alexander Woods, 25, of Fairmead Avenue, Westcliff; James Woods, 25, of Fairmead Avenue, Westcliff; Matthew Petchey, 26, of Lascelles Gardens, Rochford and Ian Young, 41, of Brightwell Avenue, Westcliff.

Rhys Pullen, 21, of Bridge Road, Wickford, admits violent disorder and will play no further part in the trial.

Young is also charged with assisting an offender.