A MAN standing trial over an incident which left a football fan with serious brain injuries phoned detectives to admit he was involved in the violence but “wouldn’t grass on his mates”, 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.

Mr Dobbin, 42, is still unable to walk or talk. Twelve men are on trial over the incident which happened close to the Railway Tavern.

Basildon Crown Court heard that Jamie Chambers, 24, of Coleman Street, Southend, was in the pub that day and phoned police six days later.

A statement from Det Con Layla Barker was read as part of facts agreed by both the prosecution and defence.

She said: “He sounded muffled and agitated. He gave his name and explained: ‘I was there at the time on the slope. I saw what happened’.

“I asked whether he would provide a statement. He said he was not willing to grass up his friends. He said he had seen it in the papers and needs to talk to police about it because he saw it happen and it’s bothering him.

“He also said ‘I never laid a finger on the man’ but said he was involved in the physical fight with the victim’s friends. He said: ‘I’m owning up to my part in it and that’s it.’”

Chambers denies committing violent disorder and conspiracy to commit violent disorder along with ten other men.

Another defendant, Ian Young, is not charged with violent disorder but denies being involved in a conspiracy and assisting an offender.

Andrew Jackson, prosecuting, described a photograph of a business card later found on Young’s phone. He said: “The photo says ‘congratulations’ in bold. ‘You’ve just met the CS crew. In brackets- Southend United. First we take your life, then we take your wife’. To the right of that comment on the card, there is the Stone Island emblem.”

Det Con Jackie Quinn then agreed that Mr Dobbin’s blood was found on the sleeve of a Stone Island jacket found at the home of Thomas Randall.

Ten other men deny violent disorder and conspiracy to commit violent disorder. They are: Ryan Carter, 21, of York Road, 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 and Matthew Petchey, 26, of Lascelles Gardens, Rochford.

Rhys Pullen, 21, of Bridge Road, Wickford, admits violent disorder.