Eighteen people appeared in court today after being charged in connection with riots which happened after last year’s UEFA Euros football final.

A total of 12 men and six youths appeared at Maidstone Magistrates' Court after allegedly assaulting police, damaging a car and other property in Maidstone town centre – including incidents after the match, between England and Italy on July 11, 2021.

Around 150 people piled into Jubilee Square following the Three Lions' defeat to Italy.

Roberto Mancini's side won 3-2 on penalties after extra time ended at 1-1.

Bottles were thrown at officers and a disabled woman's car was surrounded by fans who jumped on it and kicked and damaged it while she was in the driver's seat, causing £10,000 of damage and leaving her "traumatised".

Of the nine officers assaulted, five received medical treatment.

People clambered over benches in Jubilee Square, others could be seen confronting police and a red flare was set off.

Missiles and bottles were also thrown at police and the crowds also taunted officers and hurled abuse at them.

Officers formed into lines in the High Street to try and bring the disorder under control and police dogs were also brought in to deter revellers.

The following men appeared before Maidstone Magistrates' Court today, charged with violent disorder, and were bailed appear at Maidstone Crown Court on January 11.

• Charlie Sibbett, 27, of Vicarage Lane, Hoo, Rochester, pleaded not guilty
• Jordan Woodham, 28, of no fixed address, didn't enter a plea
• James Kirwan, 20, of Churchfields, Snodland, pleaded not guilty
• Reece Neighbour, 20, of Chatham, pleaded not guilty
• Lewis Ellerby, 26, of Cedar Road, Strood pleaded not guilty to the violent disorder charge and also denied assault by beating of an emergency worker.
• Mark Birch, 27, Longfield Place, Maidstone, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder. He also denied assault on an emergency worker and committing an of outraging public decency, namely urinating in the street and showing his private parts
• Nathan Willer, 19, of Featherby Road, Gillingham pleaded not guilty
• William Yarnton, 19, of Birchwood Road, Maidstone, pleaded not guilty
• Joseph Mborah, 27, of Mote Road, Maidstone, didn't enter a plea in relation to the charge or to another of criminal damage
• Benjamin Smith, 27, of Pickering Street, Maidstone, pleaded not guilty and also denied a charge of assault by beating of an emergency worker
• Logan Gibson, 21, of St Peter's Street, Maidstone, pleaded not guilty

Kieran Drew, 23, of Norfolk Road, Maidstone, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and the court heard he verbally abused officers and spat on the ground in front of them. He was also seen near a vehicle that was damaged and shoulder barged another person at the scene. He also threatened violence towards the police. His case was sent to Maidstone Crown Court to be dealt with and he will be sentenced there. A pre-sentencing report was ordered to be carried out on him.

Six boys, five aged 17 and one aged 16 were also charged in connection with violent disorder and criminal damage offences.

All pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and their cases were sent to the youth court at Medway Magistrates' Court. They will appear there on February 6.

Supt Richard Woolley, divisional commander for west Kent, said: "This extensive investigation has led to these charges, linked to simply unacceptable disorder and violence in Maidstone town centre – some of which led to our officers being injured.

"We will always seek to prosecute those we believe are involved in football related criminality, whether that is within a stadium or on our streets."