12 on trial over death of football dad attacked more than a decade ago

Twelve men are set to stand trial over the death of a father-of-three who suffered catastrophic brain injuries after being attacked following a football match more than a decade ago.Simon Dobbin, a devoted Cambridge United FC supporter who later appeared on DIY SOS, was allegedly assaulted after a match against Southend United F.C. in March 2015.According to The Sun, the 48-year-old was allegedly “kicked like a football” during a 90-second attack that left him with permanent brain damage and unable to walk or talk. He died in October 2020.The 12 defendants, aged between 29 and 49 and all from Essex, appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday, charged jointly with manslaughter in connection with Dobbin’s death.No pleas were entered during the hearing, but a provisional trial date was set for April 5, 2027.Prosecutors allege Dobbin was targeted after violence broke out earlier in the day, despite reportedly having no involvement in the original disorder.The court heard a small group of Cambridge United supporters were attacked, with Dobbin allegedly kicked and stamped on repeatedly during the incident.His wife Nicole, who became his full-time carer following the attack, attended Thursday’s court hearing.In 2017, Dobbin and his family appeared on DIY SOS after volunteers transformed their home to accommodate his medical needs following the assault.After he died in 2020, Nicole paid tribute to her husband, describing him as her “gentle giant” and saying he had “fought so very hard to be with his family”.Detective duperintendent Stephen Jennings previously described the case as an “extremely complex investigation” involving years of detailed work alongside the Crown Prosecution Service.All 12 defendants are due to appear again at Basildon Crown Court in September to enter pleas.