Adam Derbyshire
2/ 5/2008
FOOTBALL fan Kyle Dillon has been freed from prison in Italy after an appeal judge agreed to his release.
The partially-sighted Manchester United fan has been behind bars in Italy since December after becoming embroiled in skirmishes outside the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Three other supporters also convicted of football violence alongside him have also been released.
At a hearing in Italy today (Friday), the men were told to plead guilty in return for an early release. After discussing the matter with their solicitor, it was decided it was the only option to secure their freedom.
Families of the ‘Roma 4’ have always insisted they were duped into signing a confession by a solicitor who attempted to plea-bargain a sentence.
The plan failed and the fans — Kyle, 24, Michael Burk, 35, Richard Wimmer, 39, and Nicholas Lukacs, 19 — were each jailed for two-and-a-half years.
Kyle, of Mottram, has always maintained his innocence claiming he was baton charged by police as he attempted to avoid the trouble.
Mum Janet and stepdad John, of Home Farm Avenue, Broadbottom along with girlfriend Stacey Swann were in Rome to watch proceedings unfold.
The family are said to be ‘elated’ and Kyle will fly home tomorrow.
But, as it stands, the caveat is that Kyle will still have a criminal record. But the family are expected to take legal action at a later date in a bid to quash the conviction.
