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Simon Dobbin attack: Gang 'ambushed' Cambridge United fan Simon Dobbin attack: Gang 'ambushed' Cambridge United fan
(about 1 hour later)
A gang of 12 men attacked a football fan in a "carefully prepared ambush" which left him with permanent brain damage, a court has heard.A gang of 12 men attacked a football fan in a "carefully prepared ambush" which left him with permanent brain damage, a court has heard.
Cambridge United supporter Simon Dobbin has been unable to walk or talk since the attack in Southend in March 2015.Cambridge United supporter Simon Dobbin has been unable to walk or talk since the attack in Southend in March 2015.
Basildon Crown Court heard the group of Southend United fans wanted to attack any Cambridge supporters in "revenge" for an earlier fight.Basildon Crown Court heard the group of Southend United fans wanted to attack any Cambridge supporters in "revenge" for an earlier fight.
The men deny charges of conspiracy to commit violent disorder.The men deny charges of conspiracy to commit violent disorder.
More on this and other news from SuffolkMore on this and other news from Suffolk
Andrew Jackson, prosecuting, said Mr Dobbin was with a group of Cambridge fans who had stayed for a post-match drink in the Blue Boar pub after a 0-0 draw with Southend.Andrew Jackson, prosecuting, said Mr Dobbin was with a group of Cambridge fans who had stayed for a post-match drink in the Blue Boar pub after a 0-0 draw with Southend.
The court was told the defendants, scouted out potential targets and attacked them as they walked past The Railway on their way to Prittlewell station. The court was told the defendants scouted out potential targets and attacked them as they walked past The Railway on their way to Prittlewell station.
"It was a carefully prepared ambush," Mr Jackson told the court."It was a carefully prepared ambush," Mr Jackson told the court.
He described it as a "ferocious attack" which lasted up to 90 seconds, and said bottles and glasses were thrown.He described it as a "ferocious attack" which lasted up to 90 seconds, and said bottles and glasses were thrown.
"Simon Dobbin was hit and stamped upon repeatedly and he sustained massive brain injuries as a result of it," he added."Simon Dobbin was hit and stamped upon repeatedly and he sustained massive brain injuries as a result of it," he added.
"None of these defendants had any interest that day in enjoying watching a football match."None of these defendants had any interest that day in enjoying watching a football match.
"Their only interest lay in causing terrible and frightening violence.""Their only interest lay in causing terrible and frightening violence."
Thirteen Essex men deny conspiracy to commit violent disorder.Thirteen Essex men deny conspiracy to commit violent disorder.
All except Mr Young are also charged with violent disorder.All except Mr Young are also charged with violent disorder.
All 12 men deny the second charge, except Pullen who has pleaded guilty.All 12 men deny the second charge, except Pullen who has pleaded guilty.
Mr Young also faces a charge of assisting an offender by hiding the group while police were conducting a search.Mr Young also faces a charge of assisting an offender by hiding the group while police were conducting a search.
The case continues.The case continues.