Saturday 3 May 2008

Judge frees 'Roma Four' on appeal

our Manchester United fans sentenced to more than two years in prison in Italy have been released on appeal.

Richard Wimmer, Michael Buerk, Kyle Dillon and Nicholas Lucas were jailed in December for their part in a fight with Roma fans after a match.

At a hearing in Italy they pleaded guilty to resisting arrest, in return for early release.

Kyle Dillon's mother, Janet, said the families were relieved and now just wanted to get them home.

Kyle Dillon, 23, Richard Wimmer, 39, Nicholas Lucas, 18 and Michael Burk, 35, all from Greater Manchester, were jailed in December over the fight prior to a Champions League tie.

They were all charged with violent behaviour and resisting arrest.

Their families had previously said they only admitted the charges because they did not understand their interpreter.

Police said the four were part of a group of Manchester United supporters travelling to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 12 December but became separated and clashed with rival fans.