Police commended for hooligan convictions

Oct 12 2006

SEVEN Birmingham-based British Transport Police officers have been commended for their help in convicting 12 football hooligans.

The officers received Area Commander's Commendations for their dedication to duty during violent disturbances which broke out before and after a Wrexham versus Walsall match in October 2004.

Trouble started when a group of about 200 Walsall fans descended on Wrexham town centre ahead of the fixture and incidents of violence and racially aggravated offending took place.

The same thing happened after the game as some Walsall supporters were being escorted to the train station by police.

Further offences were committed on the return journey, when travelling fans threw coins and a metal bar at officers, one supporter was hit on the head with a bottle and a fire extinguisher was sprayed at passengers, including a pregnant woman.

Arrests were made but the offending continued and further officers were deployed to restore order.

Twelve people were later charged with offences ranging from assaulting a police officer to racially aggravated public order offences.

Eleven football banning orders were also obtained, varying between three to five years, as well as curfew orders, rehabilitation orders, fines and a four-month detention training order.

Chief Superintendent Peter McHugh, Area Commander for Wales and Western area, said: "These officers acted with outstanding professionalism in hazardous circumstances. They displayed commitment and perseverance throughout the investigation.

The officers being commended include acting Det Insp Anthony Bennett, acting Sgt Dave Rich, Det Con Jeffrey Glock, PC Peter Matthews, football intelligence PC Jim Rentell, PC Mark Murphy and PC Chris Stark.

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