Football attack charges dropped

Jamie Turner needs an operation to repair his skull

Charges against three men in relation to a mass brawl that left a football fan in a coma have been dropped.

Jamie Turner, 45, of Telford, Shropshire, suffered head injuries in the fight involving more than 20 people in Southampton, in May 2005.

The Manchester Utd supporter suffered brain damage in the attack and now needs an operation to repair his skull.

Police admitted they were disappointed but said inquiries were continuing.

The effect of the incident will remain with Mr Turner and his family for the rest of their lives Hampshire police

Charges of violent disorder have been dropped against Lee Middleton, 32, of Fraser Close, Lordshill, Southampton, John Francis Donovan, 38, of Cuckmere Lane, Millbrook and Richard Bridle, 18, of Brookwood Road.

Charges against a 17-year-old from Southampton, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have also been dropped.

In a statement Hampshire police said: "The inquiry team are clearly disappointed with the discontinuance of this case.

"Any inquiry into a large scale public disorder incident is, by its very nature, complex.

"From the outset of the investigation, it was realised that assistance from members of the public would be crucial in trying to identify all those persons involved.

"Unfortunately, we still believe there are people who know the identities of those involved in this disorder and the identity of the person who was responsible for the brutal and cowardly attack on Mr Turner.

Mr Turner regained consciousness after three weeks in a coma

"The effect of the incident will remain with Mr Turner and his family for the rest of their lives.

"We want those with information to come forward and allow the Turner family some justice and closure to this terrible chapter in their lives."

The incident happened as Mr Turner walked towards St Mary's stadium.

Police said Southampton fans poured out of a bar called the Gladstone Club, on Clifford Street, as Mr Turner and other Manchester Utd fans walked past.

Mr Turner, a father of two children, was beaten so severely with a weapon he lost consciousness.

His wife said the brain damage he has suffered has made life more difficult for the family.