England fan jailed for fatal attack

An England fan who killed a Wales supporter outside Wembley Stadium in a “heartbreaking” attack was jailed for three years at the Old Bailey today.

Michael Dye, 44, died from head injuries inflicted by what one witness described as a single “sickening punch” before a crucial Euro 2012 qualifier between England and Wales on September 6.

Ian Mytton, 41, of Gately Close, Redditch, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of the father-of-three last month and wept in court as he was sentenced today.

In a statement read out in court, the victim’s wife Nathalie Dye, who wiped tears from her eyes throughout the sentencing, said: “The man who caused Mike’s death might as well have killed me that night. Part of me died alongside Mike.

“The only thing to look forward to is being with my darling husband once again.”

CCTV footage showed Mytton approaching Dye on a concourse outside the stadium, in north-west London, before punching him once at about 7.20pm, 25 minutes before the match kicked off, and then walking away.

Dye was taken to Northwick Park Hospital after suffering a fractured skull but died soon after his arrival.

Prosecutor Philip Bennetts QC said one eyewitness described the punch as “sickening”.

“It was something you would see in a boxing ring,” said the witness.

“As a football fan I have seen many scuffles but the force of that punch was such that it was something I will never forget,” said the witness.

Mytton’s defence lawyer, Simon Stirling, said in mitigation: “His remorse for what he did and the suffering he caused them (the Dye family) is real, genuine and heartfelt.”

Stirling said Mytton had no previous convictions, was never involved in football violence before and had originally planned to take his daughter to the match, before realising it was a school night.

There were sobs from the public gallery as Mytton’s sentence was read out.

He was sentenced to three years in jail that will take into account the 100 days he has already spent in custody.

After he has served half his sentence, Mytton will be released on licence.