Violent Disorder

[Worriedman1]

I was recently charged with violent disorder after an incident in apub. Myself and a group of friends were for no apparent reason attacked by another group of males who entered the pub from outside and had clearly come looking for trouble. They entered and indiscriminantly attacked people so we defended ourselves along with a few local drinkers who joined in to stop them. I threw a bottle and 1 punch during the incident.
I have no previous convictions but i do have a football banning order and the police are adamant it was football related and pre planned which it wasnt!
The police have told me the prospect of jail is very slim but my solicitor says at worst i,ll get 12 months.
What is the likely sentence to be as i have a young family and another baby on the way and am worried sick about the prospect of leaving my girlfriend and kids for a spell behind bars.

[bednobs]

your solicitor, who has the benefit of all the facts would be the best one to advise you

[Worriedman1]

My solicitor has advised i plead not guilty as though i used violence it was not unlawful as we were attacked, but if i go not guilty and lose i,ll get sent down for sure wont i?

[bednobs]

Please see my answer above.

[New Judge]

As suggested by bednobs, the police are not best placed to give advice on sentencing matters. Violent disorder is a serious offence. Here’s an extract from The Magistrates’ sentencing guidelines:

“These offences should normally be dealt with in the Crown Court. However, there may be rare cases
involving minor violence or threats of violence leading to no or minor injury, with few people involved and no weapon or missiles, in which a custodial sentence within the jurisdiction of a magistrates’ court may be appropriate.”

Bearing in mind the magistrates sentencing powers are limited to six months custody, I think your solicitor may be nearer the mark.