Picture Ref: 76946-387SEVENTEEN Swindon Town fans have appeared in court in connection with the worst football violence involving Swindon in recent years.

The supporters were arrested after trouble flared at an away match against Bournemouth in December.

Eight pleaded not guilty at Bournemouth magistrates' court yesterday and will appear again in June.

The rest failed to enter a plea and will reappear on May 24. All have been charged with breaching the public order act by behaving in a threatening or abusive way.

They were released on conditional bail which bans them from attending matches at the County Ground and any other games.

Around 700 fans travelled from Swindon to watch the game on December 18. Swindon supporters do not have a history of hooliganism and the town was shocked by the disorder which erupted just before kick off.

District Judge Roger House said it had been a 'frightening and terrifying' experience for scores of Christmas shoppers who witnessed the scenes.

Around 40 fans were caught up in the fracas in a busy shopping area near Bournemouth's Dean Court stadium.

The clashes led to the biggest crackdown on football violence carried out by Swindon police.

Officers spent hours studying CCTV footage to identify trouble-makers.

The 17 who appeared in court were arrested last month.

Although Swindon does not have a reputation for soccer thugs, it does have a so-called 'firm.'

The SAS Swindon Active Service has its own website which features adverts for DVDs containing footage of fights between rival fans.

Those who appeared in court

The following will reappear on June 14 for a pre-trial review:

James Hooke, 28, of Morse Close, Chippenham not guilty.

Mark Molloy, 36, of Woodlands Way, Devizes not guilty.

Matthew Underwood, 44, of Mayenne Place, Devizes not guilty.

Russell Hiett, 38, of Minety Road, Penhill not guilty.

James Love, 31, of Clyde Cottages, Wroughton not guilty.

Daniel Landis, 29, of Hallam Moor, Liden not guilty.

Christopher Sawford, 26, of Wordsworth Drive, Swindon not guilty.

Craig Tuck, 25, of Yiewsley Crescent, Lower Stratton not guilty.

The following will reappear to enter a plea on May 24:

Kevin Pike, 33, of Bramwell Close, Stratton.

Jason Back, 35, of Elmina Road, Swindon.

Craig Finlayson, 29, of Chester Street, Swindon.

Darren Gleed, 37, of Somerville Road, Walcot.

Dean Armstrong-Wilde, 22, of Blake Crescent, Stratton.

Daniel Pook, 24, of Hodson Road, Chiseldon.

Paul Moulden, 38, of Turnpike Road, Highworth.

Matthew Greener, 18, of The Hunt Close, Semington, Melksham.

Andrzej Plocki, 43, of Elmore, Eldene.

Tamash Lal