Brawling fan jailed for part in violence outside pub

A CARDIFF City fan who was involved in a brawl with Aston Villa supporters outside a pub has been jailed.

Nathan Pleace, pictured below, was one of three Bluebirds supporters who were involved in the punch-up with 10 Aston Villa fans outside The Cornwall pub in Grangetown on August 12 last year.

The violent confrontation saw fans from both sides throwing punches, kicks and missiles at each other after Cardiff City beat Aston Villa 3-0 in their Championship clash.

Pleace, 33, of Andrews Road in Llandaff North, had denied a single charge of violent disorder but a jury found him guilty on October 5, along with four other men.

During the trial at Cardiff Crown Court, the jury was shown CCTV appearing to show Pleace throwing a plastic glass at the opposition group outside The Cornwall pub.

The CCTV also showed him kicking out at a man on the floor and appearing to throw a punch to a man on the floor.

Christopher Rees, defending, said Pleace only became involved with the fighting as a reaction to others.

He also asked the judge to consider his active service in the Parachute Regiment of the British Army.

Sentencing Pleace yesterday, Judge Neil Bidder handed Pleace a custodial sentence of two years and nine months.