Fan sobs after Shropshire football brawl puts him behind bars

Hereford United fan Joshua Watkins was involved in fighting at Wellington Railway Station following his team's game against AFC Telford United on April 20 last year.

The 20-year-old was among a group of 70 to 80 Hereford fans waiting on a platform after the game to head home when a set of rival supporters arrived.

Fighting broke out between the two groups, with Watkins throwing punches and kicking someone who was on the floor.

Police intervened and Watkins got on a train with the rest of the Hereford fans.

But he was arrested on the carriage by British Transport Police after abusing other passengers - with CCTV from Wellington Station later identifying him as one of the troublemakers involved in the earlier violence.

Watkins, from Lingfield Walk, Hereford, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Friday having previously admitted a charge of affray.

The court heard Watkins had drunk six to seven pints at the time.

Sarah Allen, representing Watkins, said her client was of normally good character and was "disgusted with himself" for his actions.

But he was sentenced to six months imprisonment and banned from attending football matches for three years.

Watkins, a company director in his family's block paving business, was led away in tears after he was given the sentence.

He will serve three months in a Young Offenders Institution, with the rest out on licence.

Judge Peter Barrie said Watkins had been involved in "disgraceful public disorder and fighting".

"You did not start the disorder but on the other hand, you were clearly playing a leading part once it got under way," he said.

"You are seen punching out at people as hard as you can and kicking someone lying on the ground. You said drink had played a part but drinking is no excuse for behaviour in public of this kind, which is terrifying to members of the public and can very easily get out of hand."