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.
Showing posts with label Tameside Advertiser. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tameside Advertiser. Show all posts
Friday, 2 May 2008
Monday, 31 March 2008
Jailed fan's mum in 'stay at home' plea
Adam Derbyshire
31/ 3/2008
THE mum of a Manchester United fan jailed for fighting in Rome has pleaded with other supporters to stay away from the Italian capital tomorrow night (Tuesday).
The Reds will be playing their fifth Champions League match against Roma in little over a year, and previous clashes have been marred by violence.
Kyle Dillon was one of four English fans imprisoned last December after fights broke out between rival supporters when United visited Roma for a group stage match. His mother Janet urged United supporters should not to go to Tuesday's game because British police could not guarantee their safety.
And she said that any trouble might have a detrimental effect on a legal appeal scheduled for May 2, which could see 23-year-old Kyle, Richard Wimmer, 39, Nicholas Lucas, 18, and Michael Burk, 35, released.
Mrs Dillon, from Mottram, near Hyde, said: "Don't go to the game, it isn't safe. Our police cannot protect you and the Italian police will not protect you because they are part of the problem.
"If you do have to go to the game, stay out of trouble. Because of the proximity of the two games to the appeal date, any trouble could have an effect on the outcome of the appeal."
The four were part of a group which broke from other fans on their way to the ground and became embroiled in clashes with Roma's notorious `Ultras' at the Duca d'Aosta bridge.
Three United fans were stabbed outside Roma's ground last April, when the two clubs also met at the quarter-final stage. There were violent scenes inside the Stadio Olimpico, and scuffles erupted outside Old Trafford during the second leg a week later, with 21 people arrested.
Greater Manchester Police have urged fans to be on their best behaviour. Transport to and from the ground has been arranged for United supporters, to head off trouble on the bridge.
And police say anyone choosing to make their own way to the stadium - or planning to buy tickets from touts - could put themselves in danger.
31/ 3/2008
THE mum of a Manchester United fan jailed for fighting in Rome has pleaded with other supporters to stay away from the Italian capital tomorrow night (Tuesday).
The Reds will be playing their fifth Champions League match against Roma in little over a year, and previous clashes have been marred by violence.
Kyle Dillon was one of four English fans imprisoned last December after fights broke out between rival supporters when United visited Roma for a group stage match. His mother Janet urged United supporters should not to go to Tuesday's game because British police could not guarantee their safety.
And she said that any trouble might have a detrimental effect on a legal appeal scheduled for May 2, which could see 23-year-old Kyle, Richard Wimmer, 39, Nicholas Lucas, 18, and Michael Burk, 35, released.
Mrs Dillon, from Mottram, near Hyde, said: "Don't go to the game, it isn't safe. Our police cannot protect you and the Italian police will not protect you because they are part of the problem.
"If you do have to go to the game, stay out of trouble. Because of the proximity of the two games to the appeal date, any trouble could have an effect on the outcome of the appeal."
The four were part of a group which broke from other fans on their way to the ground and became embroiled in clashes with Roma's notorious `Ultras' at the Duca d'Aosta bridge.
Three United fans were stabbed outside Roma's ground last April, when the two clubs also met at the quarter-final stage. There were violent scenes inside the Stadio Olimpico, and scuffles erupted outside Old Trafford during the second leg a week later, with 21 people arrested.
Greater Manchester Police have urged fans to be on their best behaviour. Transport to and from the ground has been arranged for United supporters, to head off trouble on the bridge.
And police say anyone choosing to make their own way to the stadium - or planning to buy tickets from touts - could put themselves in danger.
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
Anger as Reds fan is jailed in Rome
Source: Tameside Advertiser
2/ 1/2008
THE family of a Manchester United supporter jailed in Italy for his part in a fight against Roma fans have vowed to fight to overturn the court’s decision.
Kyle Dillon, 23, who is partially blind, was arrested by Italian police after skirmishes broke out before the recent game in Rome.
He was one of four supporters accused of violent behaviour and resisting arrest.
A court sentenced Kyle (pictured), of Hyde, to two years six months in jail.
At the same hearing Michael Burk, 35, from Little Hulton, Salford, and Nicholas Lucas, 18, were jailed for two years and five months. Richard Wimmer, 39, was given a sentence of two years and six months.
Kyle’s family — who collected character references and medical reports for the court — are shocked and say they are determined to do all they can to overturn the decision at appeal.
Kyle’s girlfriend Stacey, who was due to fly to Italy, said: "They are saying he was part of an organised gang, but that isn’t true. Kyle has never been in any trouble — he’s a brilliant person."
Dad John said the strain of prison life was taking its toll on Kyle.
He said: "He is a strong lad with a strong character, but he doesn’t seem to be coping too well."
The four men were due to appear in court again on Monday where an appeals tribunal could suspend their sentences and release them.
2/ 1/2008
THE family of a Manchester United supporter jailed in Italy for his part in a fight against Roma fans have vowed to fight to overturn the court’s decision.
Kyle Dillon, 23, who is partially blind, was arrested by Italian police after skirmishes broke out before the recent game in Rome.
He was one of four supporters accused of violent behaviour and resisting arrest.
A court sentenced Kyle (pictured), of Hyde, to two years six months in jail.
At the same hearing Michael Burk, 35, from Little Hulton, Salford, and Nicholas Lucas, 18, were jailed for two years and five months. Richard Wimmer, 39, was given a sentence of two years and six months.
Kyle’s family — who collected character references and medical reports for the court — are shocked and say they are determined to do all they can to overturn the decision at appeal.
Kyle’s girlfriend Stacey, who was due to fly to Italy, said: "They are saying he was part of an organised gang, but that isn’t true. Kyle has never been in any trouble — he’s a brilliant person."
Dad John said the strain of prison life was taking its toll on Kyle.
He said: "He is a strong lad with a strong character, but he doesn’t seem to be coping too well."
The four men were due to appear in court again on Monday where an appeals tribunal could suspend their sentences and release them.
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