A SOCCER fan who turned violent in Blackburn after being refused entry to a Burnley match has been jailed and banned from attending games next season.
Michael James was one of a group of Stockport County supporters turned away from Turf Moor.
Some hours later he attacked a man almost as soon as he stepped off a train.
James, 21, of Buxton Road, Mile End, Stockport, had pleaded guilty to a charge of affray. He was sent to prison for a year by a Preston Crown Court judge who also imposed a 15 months grounds ban.
The offence related to an incident in October 2000. The Stockport County fans had been on their way to a match with Burnley when police turned them away.
They then made their way to Blackburn.
John Chaplin, prosecuting, told how Graham Goodman got off a train at Blackburn Station at 11pm.
He noticed a group of men on the platform. Almost immediately he was punched in the face and the Crown alleged James was responsible.
Three other people joined the defendant and Mr Goodman received punches from all directions. He managed to break free and ran.
He eventually stopped and saw 10 men running at him.
He tried to defend himself, but was punched and kicked.
James claimed to police that he had hit out in self-defence.
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