Fan's Death After Attack: 12 Charged with Manslaughter

Twelve men have been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of Cambridge United supporter Simon Dobbin. Mr. Dobbin sustained permanent brain damage following an assault in Southend, Essex, on March 21, 2015. The attack occurred after his team's match against Southend United. He died five years later, in October 2020, at the age of 48. His family provided continuous care for him at their home in Mildenhall, Suffolk.

Essex Police confirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service has authorized the manslaughter charges against the twelve individuals. Prosecutors stated that sufficient evidence exists to proceed with criminal proceedings, deeming it in the public interest. The investigation into the incident and Mr. Dobbin's subsequent death has been described as complex and extensive, requiring hundreds of hours of meticulous work.

The accused individuals are scheduled to appear before Colchester Magistrates' Court on March 31. Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings of Essex Police acknowledged the significant milestone in the investigation and expressed gratitude to Mr. Dobbin's family for their patience and support. He also urged the public to be mindful of commentary to ensure a fair trial for those charged.