Sets of supporters from both sides given time behind bars, extended banning orders and large fines for football violence

Violence erupted in Westhoughton after the Bolton Wanderers versus Wigan Athletic match back on Saturday 19 August 2023.

Following an investigation and media appeals, our officers carried out several early-morning warrants in November 2023.

The following men were sentenced at Bolton Crown Court this month (April 2025), with the officers directly involved praised by the Judge for their efforts in acting in a fair but strong prosecution using the evidence available as part of a complex investigation after initially dealing with the immediate aftermath.

• Stephen Ince (18/01/1984) of Marlbrook Walk, Westhoughton, Bolton, was jailed for 21 months, given a 6-year Football Banning Order (FBO) and victim surcharge.
• Adam Sayers (11/03/1980), of Coach House, Kendal was jailed for 12 months and handed a 6-year FBO.
• Paul Regan (11/10/1988), of Worsley, Salford was given a suspended jail sentence, community order and 5-year FBO.
• Troy Taylor (11/10/1999), of Little Lever was sentenced to a community order, 4-year FBO and victim surcharge.
• Joshua Nicholson (24/02/2006), of Harwood, Bolton was given a community order, 3-year FBO and victim surcharge.
• Anthony Pennington (14/09/1985), from Westhoughton was handed a  suspended jail sentence, community order and victim surcharge.
• David Howells (23/02/1967), from Leigh was given a community order, 4-year FBO and victim surcharge.

• Bradley Jones (23/4/1991) of Rose Avenue, Wigan, was jailed for three years and four months for violent disorder, which included being on bail for similar offences from the violent disorder in Southport alongside a 5-year FBO.
• David Hockey, (11/02/1991), and of Wyre Avenue, Platt Bridge, was jailed for 16 months for violent disorder and also handed a 7-year FBO, including an existing one from Police Scotland.
• Martin Dowd (13/07/1980) of Wigan was given a suspended jail sentence, victim surcharge and 3-year FBO.
• David Davies (04/03/1984) of Wigan was also given a suspended jail sentence, victim surcharge and 5-year FBO.
• Keiron Jones (20/03/1985) of Wigan was handed a suspended jail sentence, victim surcharge and 4-year FBO.
• Lee Harrison (09/06/2002) of Wigan was also handed a suspended jail sentence, victim surcharge and a 3-year FBO.

Adam Sayers

David Hockey 

Stephen Ince

Two teenagers aged 17 were previously dealt with and banned from football for three years each.

Every week our specialised officers proactively police football matches across Greater Manchester at all levels to ensure the community can enjoy the day out without being put in harm’s way. We understand the vast majority go to games without the intention of causing violence and focus on the events on the pitch by supporting their team.

Detective Inspector Tony Lunt, of Bolton CID, said: "This was pre-planned disorder and innocent people were caught up in the violence.

"The violence that followed this match has no place in football and overshadowed a well-planned, well-policed operation after a lot of work between GMP and the two clubs.

“There were innocent people caught up in the violence and that simply will not be tolerated - we want to ensure people can attend matches safely.

"These people will now have to face the consequences of their actions which will prevent any further repeat offences. This action will have a hugely positive impact in improved behaviour and reducing instances of disorder.

“We have brought these successful prosecutions following a meticulous and thorough investigation in conjunction with the two clubs, with others to be prosecuted in due course.”