A PRESS officer told a court how she felt intimidated by the escalating level of violence after the derby match between Southampton and Pompey.

Lucy Dibden, media relations officer for Hampshire police, told jurors how she had been facilitating media coverage of the fifth round cup tie in February this year.

After the match, she had gone to an area close to Freeborn Garage in Britannia Road near the ground when she became aware of violent behaviour starting behind fencing erected to keep rival fans apart.

“There was goading, shouting and missiles being thrown to the other side of the road,” she said. “It made me feel frightened and intimidated, and I became concerned for the safety of others.”

Miss Dibden told the city crown court how she took almost 100 pictures with a digital camera. The court also heard from Paul Watts whose company put up the fencing on behalf of the football club. He estimated damage at £200-£250.

Michael Wilson, 28, of New Road, Netley Abbey; Timothy Osman, 49, of Cunard Avenue, Shirley, Southampton; Trevor Collins, 46, of Meggeson Avenue, Townhill Park, Southampton; Ross Philips, 28, of Swift Road, Southampton, and Mervyn Bishop, 43, of Wheatlands, Fareham, deny charges of violent disorder.

Proceeding.