Aston Villa fan murder: Killer will appeal, father reveals
THE convicted killer of Aston Villa fan Christopher Priest is to appeal against his life sentence for murder, his father revealed today.
Speaking publicly for the first time, Lee Mockble’s dad, Vance, acknowledged his family’s suffering could not compare with the ordeal endured by Mr Priest’s family.
But father-of-three Vance, from Hall Green, said his son “was no murderer” and vowed to sell everything he had to achieve “justice”. He said: “Our loss cannot compare to the loss of the Priest family, but this has had a devastating effect on our family.
“The verdict has torn us apart. I will sell everything I have to get justice for my son and I will leave no stone unturned.”
Mr Priest, aged 26, from Sutton Coldfield, was killed when he was hit by a Volkswagen Golf, which was being driven by Lee Mockble, on Aston Hall Road on April 20 last year.
He had just watched his team beat Birmingham City 5-1 in a derby game.
A jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court heard Lee Mockble had previous convictions including assault and threatening behaviour.
Vance Mockble, himself an Aston Villa season ticket holder, was at the game and told how he discovered his son had been involved in Mr Priest’s death.
He said: “I remember the call that he made to me. I had actually been at the game myself and had gone to the local pub to speak to some Blues fans who were friends of mine.
“I got home and put on the Joe Calzaghe fight I had taped from the night before. I got a call in the first round and it was Lee.
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