Manchester City fan jailed for causing 10k worth of damage to a police vehicle following Champions League victory in 2023

Leon Blackett (14/01/2003) of Craigmore Avenue, Manchester has been sentenced to 44 months in prison.

The 22-year-old was handed a three-month jail term for this football-related offence, along with 41 months for possession of a bladed article and a domestic related communications offence.

The court heard how following Manchester City’s Champions League Final win over Inter Milan in Istanbul in Turkey on Saturday 10 June 2023, jubilant fans flocked to the streets of the city centre for late night celebrations.

The large influx of fans in high spirits prompted a police response to ensure public safety and prevent any public disorder.

However, the disorder escalated with a number of individuals including Blackett scaling a police vehicle, jumping up and down and causing more than £10,000 worth of damage, with the vehicle having to be written off. 

Following the disorder an investigation was launched, with the city centre policing team obtaining social media and CCTV footage which helped identify those responsible.

Blackett was arrested and questioned on Thursday 19 October 2023, admitting to the offence.

He has also been given a seven-year Football Banning Order which commenced on the day Blackett received his sentence.

PC Matt Ford from our Specialist Operations Planning Unit said: “The actions by Blackett in the wake of Manchester City’s historic Champions League Final victory were completely unacceptable.

“Him and the other who were caught on camera either through our body worn footage, social media videos or CCTV have been robustly dealt with.

“Fines, Football Banning Orders and hours of unpaid work have been handed to some, with Blackett receiving a time in prison for his actions, due to him serving a suspended sentence while committing the crime in the city centre following the result football.

“This is a timely reminder to those who commit crimes while following the football in another country, we will seek prosecutions for unacceptable behaviour.”