Essex police to reopen investigation after tragic death of hooliganism victim Simon Dobbin

Cambridge United have announced that fan Simon Dobbin has passed away, five years after he was attacked on his way back from seeing his beloved United in action at Southend United which left him brain-damaged.

Mr Dobbin, 48, was left unable to speak, walk or move independently of which he spent a year in hospital following the attack in which twelve men were convicted and all were jailed and banned from attending football matches for ten years.

Mr Dobbin’s wife Nicole had said during the court proceedings back in 2017 that the attackers had given her husband a life sentence as a result of the crime committed.

Following the news of Mr Dobbin’s death, Essex Police has confirmed they will review the investigation surrounding the conviction of those punished and whether there is a need to take further action.

The support the family received even saw Nick Knowles and the team at BBC show DIYSOS in changing Mr Dobbin’s house so it was adapted to his new way of living as a result of the attack.

For people living in Southend which is the town where Mr Dobbin met his attackers in this gruesome, unjustified and uncalled attack over five years ago, there is a strong feeling of regret, sadness and anger.

Simon Dobbin was just a simple honest football fan who had a wife, kids and liked supporting his local side in League Two Cambridge United both home and away when he could.

People ask what is bad about about that lifestyle by any means that would lead to twelve men wanting to attack him and leave him brain damaged for the rest of his life?

The Essex Echo have printed the news as their front page with “RIP SIMON” as the main headline. A simple sign that represents a lot in the eyes of many.

In tomorrow's Echo we pay tribute to Simon Dobbin, who suffered horrific injuries in an attack in #Southend in March 2015. This morning, he sadly died. RIP Simon pic.twitter.com/3eTPHI6RSs

— Essex Echo (@Essex_Echo) October 21, 2020

The real fans of Southend United will hold regrets over this situation as it was their ‘fans’ who caused the damage to Mr Dobbin, Cambridge United will be hurting as they have lost one of their own and their support to Mr Dobbin’s family was remarkable throughout the last five years.

At the time of 11.30am on Thursday 22nd October, Cambridge’s tweet announcing the news of Mr Dobbin’s death was pinned at the top of their profile with over 9,000 likes and over 850 retweets. The tweet also being responded to by fellow EFL League Two clubs such as Southend United, Leyton Orient and Salford City being just a few who sent their condolences alongside other EFL sides such as Ipswich Town, Northampton Town and Luton Town.

It is with a heavy heart that Cambridge United can confirm we have received the devastating news that Simon Dobbin sadly passed away at home this morning.

Sweet dreams Simon. Forever a U ? ? pic.twitter.com/mNB5wlaBJP

— Cambridge United FC (@CambridgeUtdFC) October 21, 2020

With Essex Police set to go back into investigating the case, there could potentially be further justice in store for Mr Dobbin’s widow Nicole and his family should they deem the punishments as too lenient or not appropriate.

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