Millwall yob facing long prison term

A man involved in last week's riot at Millwall was told today he is facing a lengthy jail term.

Father of two Darren Finch, 27, an electrician of West Wickham, Kent, admitted playing a leading role in the violence after the match against Birmingham City.

Greenwich magistrates court was told that he was among thugs who kicked down a wall around a children's playground and used the bricks as missiles to hurl at mounted police.

He was seen throwing a wheelie bin and a large piece of wood at police lines. Finch also egged others to join in, the court heard. He was caught on video by a police cameraman. He had long hair on the night but had shaved his head when he gave himself up yesterday.

Today he spoke only to confirm his age and address and enter a guilty plea to a charge of violent disorder. John Gardner, prosecuting, said: "Finch was one of a large number of people congregated outside the ground. He admitted his violence started inside the ground when he threw coins at Birmingham City fans. He said he was drunk and angry."

District judge David Cooper told him: "A prison sentence appears a certainty." Finch will return to court on 29 May when a video of his role in the riot will be shown.

The judge said Finch is likely to be sentenced at crown court as he feels he does not have sufficient powers to deal with him.