Father and sons jailed over soccer violence

Jailing Paul Barnett, 46, and his sons Jordan, 29, Joel, 21 and Jotham, 20, Judge Bernard Lever said: “It is a tragedy that four hard-working men, because of this terrible affray fuelled by drink, are all ending up in prison.”

Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester heard today (Friday) that it took seven police officers to bring the fight under control during the match against Peterborough on May 29.

Their victims were a Huddersfield Town fan who received facial injuries, and two stewards who both suffered broken noses and bruising to the face.

The court heard that the defendants had spent the afternoon drinking before the match kicked off.

They had all pleaded guilty to affray at an earlier hearing, and Jotham Barnett admitted a further charge of criminal damage.

Paul and Joel Barnett, of Chaster Street, Batley, were both jailed for 18 months. Jordan Barnett of West Park Road, Batley, received a 21 month sentence, and Jotham Barnett, also of Chaster Street, was given 14 months for affray and two months for criminal damage.

* For the full story see next week’s paper.