Men sentenced for violent disorder during Flint Town United v Caernarfon Town fixture

Twelve males involved in violent disorder at a Welsh Premier League football match in Flintshire have been sentenced this week at Caernarfon Crown Court and Mold Magistrates’ Court.

The incident occurred during the match between Flint Town United and Caernarfon Town at Flint’s Cae-Y-Castell ground on 8 April 2023.

The game was abandoned shortly after kick-off due to violence between supporters, which left one man with serious injuries requiring hospital treatment.

Following an extensive police investigation, which involved witness accounts and an appeal for information, the courts imposed the following sentences:

• Simon Davies, 42, of Maes Afon, Flint – 20 months’ imprisonment for violent disorder.
• Jack Davies, 21, of Maes Afon, Flint – 11 months in a Young Offenders Institution for violent disorder.
• Jamie Griffiths, 18, of Ffordd Maes Barcer, Caernarfon – 9 months in a Young Offenders Institution for violent disorder.
• Luke Hughes, 35, of Cae Mur, Caernarfon – 12-month Community Order.
• Cai Ditchburn, 26, of Constantine Road, Caernarfon – 9-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Seven other males, all aged under 18 and whose names cannot be disclosed for legal reasons, were referred to the Flintshire Youth Offender Panel for periods of between four and eight months. Each was also ordered to pay £226 in costs.

All the adult defendants received Football Banning Orders (FBOs) lasting between three and six years.

These orders prohibit them from attending football matches across the UK during this period.

Failure to comply with an FBO can result in a fine or up to six months’ imprisonment.

Police Condemn Violence

Investigating Officer DC Donna Vernon condemned the violence, stating:

“The behaviour and violence of the men sentenced today was completely unacceptable. Disorder of this kind has no place at a football match, nor anywhere else within our communities.

“The sentences imposed reflect the serious and violent nature of the incident at Flint’s ground earlier this year.

“We thank the public for their help in identifying those involved, following our appeal for information and our wider investigation.

“The Football Banning Orders issued today will also restrict their access to attend future matches. It demonstrates our determination to pursue prosecutions to get justice for victims, and it shows that violence has no place in football.”

The violent disorder at the match caused significant disruption, with the game abandoned shortly after kick-off.

A man who was seriously injured within the stadium was airlifted to Aintree Hospital.

Police made three arrests made on the day.

The investigation later identified additional suspects, culminating in the convictions announced this week.