Second City Derby Pitch Invader Jailed For 14 Weeks
By Joshua Walters
A Birmingham Crown Court has sentenced the man, who assaulted Aston Villa’s captain, Jack Grealish, in the Second City Derby with Aston Villa on Sunday, to fourteen weeks in custody.
This judgment came after the accused, Paul Mitchel, had pleaded guilty to assault after his charge was read to him by prosecutors in court on Monday.
Reading the sentence, Magistrate Alison Fisher, said the court chose to punish and also deter the accused person because he acted unprovoked against a footballer, who was going about his job.
Mitchell was also given a 10-year football banning order alongside the custodial sentence and an order to pay a victim surcharge of £150 and £100 compensation to Jack Grealish.
”This was an unprovoked assault on a footballer doing his job in front of 23,000 spectators and thousands watching on TV, including families.
“We note that you have taken responsibility for your actions. However, this type of behaviour is totally unacceptable.
”The sentence must act as a punishment and a deterrent to others in order to send a message to the public and fans and players like Grealish who should be protected at all times.
”We have taken into account mitigation and family circumstances, however, we feel your actions deserve a prison term, one for 14 weeks.”
The 27-year-old Blues season ticket holder appeared in court on Monday and pleaded guilty to assault after it was revealed that his wife and two-year-old child have left the house due to death threats sent to him after the incident.
Jobless, Paul Mitchell, admitted to the court that he took the attack ‘as a joke’ and also taught that the player ‘was a kn*b.
The victim, Grealish, escaped unhurt from the incident that occurred eight minutes into the game, and even went on to score the game’s only goal with a second-half strike.
Birmingham City had also taken steps against Mitchell, even before the verdict, by revoking his season ticket and banning him for life.
Prosecutor, Jonathan Purser, told the court: 'The officer, who was carrying Mitchell off the pitch, said Mitchell thought that Grealish was a kn*b.'
'Mitchell claims he was not intoxicated, was with his father and did it as a joke.
'He did say he was remorseful.'
Purser read to the court a statement from the Aston Villa captain which said: 'Jack Grealish was shocked and scared because if this person was brazen enough to get onto the pitch, what else could he do?
'He didn't know the person who assaulted him and didn't antagonise Birmingham City supporters.
'It could have been worse had the person had a weapon.'
Mitchell, who has been a Birmingham City fan for over 20 years, has tattoed the club's logo on the left forearm, and he appeared remorseful in the dock as the court heard his case.
It was later revealed to the court that Mitchell was unemployed, but used to manage an unnamed pub.
The prosecutor told the court: 'Jack Grealish felt a push in the back and a hook to his lower jaw.
'He had just won a corner and had his back to stand containing Birmingham City supporters.
'The TV footage had captured the defendant running onto the football pitch, Grealish with back to him, and had his name on the back of his shirt.
'Footage shows him taking a running swing, jumping on the back of Grealish and launching that punch.'
Purser added: 'He did say he was remorseful. It was an unprovoked assault on someone doing his work. There were pain, discomfort and shock.'
Counsel for the defendant, Vaughan Whistance, also told the court: 'It has brought shame upon his family and the club he has supported as a child. A season ticket holder for over 20 years.
'He has apologised to Aston Villa and, of course, to Jack Grealish. This was totally out of character.
'He cannot explain what came over himself yesterday morning. His initial foolish intention was to go onto the pitch to whip up the crowd.
'He is certainly remorseful today. He is a man with a partner, they have a two-year-old together, and they're expecting their second child.
