POLICE have welcomed a judge’s indication that two men could be jailed over violence linked to Oxford United football games, as they revealed 19 people had been arrested in the past six weeks.
Thames Valley Police launched an investigation after violence at home matches against Aldershot and Port Vale last month.
They have checked hours of CCTV recordings to identify troublemakers and are now rounding up anyone they suspect of being involved.
So far, five people have been charged with public order offences, including an Aldershot fan, while another 11 men have been arrested and bailed.
A 26-year-old was cautioned for causing harassment, alarm or distress, and ordered to sign an Acceptable Behaviour Contract, while a 17-year-old youth was fined £80 and also asked to sign an ABC. Another 19-year-old was arrested but later released with no further action.
Last week, a judge at Oxford Magistrates’ Court warned two men they could be jailed.
Det Insp Simon Morton said: “My job is to put the case before the court and if the court deems it serious enough for them to go to prison, then I support it.”
He added: “There’s no room for hooligans anywhere, and this includes those that say they are Oxford United supporters. The sooner they realise this the better.
He added: “If these men are sent to prison for their actions, then they only have themselves to blame. It’s too late to make up excuses now.”
Four men appeared before magistrates last week, including 19-year-old Ashley Creed, of Cumnor Road, Boars Hill.
He admitted using words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress and using words or behaviour to cause a fear of unlawful violence at the Aldershot game on October 9.
Wayne Cox, 41, of Westlands Drive, Northway, Oxford, admitted possession of cocaine, and using threatening, abusive or insulting words to cause a fear of unlawful violence in the city centre following the Port Vale clash on October 2.
District Judge Peter Crabtree said “custody is my starting point” with both men. Both will be sentenced next month.
Det Sgt John Linsdell said: “Football banning orders have already been imposed on supporters who have been found guilty of offences of disorder.
“Any offences that are committed will be investigated in a similarly robust manner.”
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