Leicester man denies violence against police before European football match
A man from Leicester[1] is among three who have denied taking part in violence which saw police hit with missiles, including flares, before a European football match at Villa Park. Doran Urbaniak (40), of Tudor Road, Leicester, and Marchin Staniec (30) and Bartlomiej Szmytke (21), whose addresses were only given as ‘in the care of Stechford Police Station’, each pleaded not guilty to a charge of violent disorder at Birmingham Crown Court[2] today (Friday, January 5). The charges were brought after the alleged violence[3] involving Legia Warsaw fans near a coach park outside the stadium on Thursday, November 30, last year.
Police said five officers, two police dogs and two police horses were injured after violence erupted when visiting supporters were not given tickets to enter Villa Park, as previously arranged. The three men are accused of being part of a group who used or threatened unlawful violence which left people fearing for their personal safety. They will stand trial at the same court on April 28, 2025, which is set to last for five days.
They were conditionally bailed to next appear at court for a preliminary hearing on March 3, 2025.
References
- ^ Leicester (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Birmingham Crown Court (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ charges were brought after the alleged violence (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Two arrests after four people injured in Narborough Road dog bite attack in Leicester (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)