Prison for yob fans in pub clash

Seven Albion football thugs who clashed with rival Wolves supporters and police at a Black Country pub were today each beginning 16-month jail sentences.

Glasses, stools and beer barrels were used as "missiles" whenthe two groups of football fans brawled at the Tamebridge pub in Great Bridge following a league local derby.

Customers with young children and babies feared for their safety while police used specialist safety helmets to protect themselves, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

Judge Michael Challinor said yesterday he was convinced the yobs had gone to the pub expecting trouble.

The court has heard how violence flared followed the match on February 20, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

At about 5pm, five Wolves fans walked into the pub and started chanting towards a group of Albion supporters.

They retaliated by launching glasses and stools like "missiles" towards the Wolves group and forced them out of the pub, said prosecutor Miss Madhu Rai.

The Albion fans moved to the beer garden when police arrived, with some throwing whatever they could at officers. The court heard Stephen Whitehouse, 37, of Birchfield Way, Yew Tree, a "main aggressor".

Shaun Bennett, 33, of Fountain Lane, Coseley, and Stephen Cox, 34, of Whitley Crescent, Rowley Regis, threw items.

James Wiles, 24, of Broadwaters Road, Darlaston, and Jason Harris 40, of Abbey Close, Tantany, West Bromwich threw objects while Neil Sutera, 34, of Radford Lane, Castlecroft, Wolverhampton, was also involved in the scuffle. Ricky Wright, 30 of Arthur Street, West Bromwich, threw punches. All admitted affray and were jailed.

Nathan Painter, 22 of Moxley Road, Darlaston, was seen "striking out". He got an 18-month community order and a £1,000 fine.