Violent NUFC fan behind bars after clash with rival Everton supporters

Darren Brindley was involved in a "mass brawl" that erupted at the Black Bull pub, which is close to the ground, while Newcastle played Everton on Boxing Day last year.

The 44-year-old, who has convictions for violence going back more than two decades, was caught on CCTV headbutting an Everton fan inside the bar, then attacking others with a crutch outside.

Brindley, of Bolingbroke Street, Heaton, Newcastle, who was on a suspended sentence at the time, pleaded guilty to affray.

Miss Recorder Jo Kidd sentenced him to 26 months behind bars and banned him from attending or being in the vicinity of Newcastle or England matches for the next six years.

The court heard he has been the subject of similar banning orders in the past.

The judge told him: "You found yourself involved in a mass brawl which involved people arming themselves in order to create a situation of immediate public concern and terror.

"It was a large scale disturbance and you were clearly under the influence of alcohol."

The judge said the violence would have been "terrifying to anybody walking in that vicinity" and added: "Members of the public are entitled to be able to attend football matches in the early evening without having to come across such public disorder."

Geoff Smith, defending, said Brindley had gone to the pub that day to meet with family and had not set out to look for trouble.

Brindley himself was the subject of violence once the trouble erupted.

Mr Smith said: "Mr Brindley was attacked by three or four other men, three or four Everton supporters.

"He was the victim of violence.

"He himself was being abused and threatened."

Mr Smith said Brindley is a family man who lives a settled life and has a good employment background.