Double trouble
Twins (with matching black eyes) are jailed for bottling reveller outside pub
TWIN brothers have been jailed after they attacked a group of people outside a pub, leaving one of their victims scarred for life.
Simon and Michael Long, 47 – who both sported black eyes in their police mugshots – launched the attack after going out for pre-Christmas drinks with friends in Cheltenham on December 20, 2019.
Earlier in the evening, they crossed paths with another group of drinkers, including Joe Ashton and Terry Beaver. The brothers got into a fight with Mr Ashton and Mr Beaver, as well as other unknown people, outside a Yates bar.
Prosecutor Christopher Smyth told Gloucester Crown Court that both Long brothers were intoxicated, with Michael being more drunk than his twin.
After police broke up the fight, the brothers left the bar with the intention of hailing taxis to take them home. But after they bumped into Mr Ashton and Mr Beaver and their friends opposite the Bank House pub, the brothers set upon the three men and a woman ‘in a violent fashion’, the prosecutor said.
Mr Smyth said things escalated when the brothers picked up glass beer bottles and Michael was seen wielding one in front of Mr Ashton, who was struck on the head at least twice.
The jury was told Mr Ashton ended up with several injuries that needed treatment. In a statement, Mr Ashton said: ‘I had never been in a fight in my life. I have been left with a scar and I will have to live with this for the rest of my life.
‘The attack was clearly premeditated. I’ve never felt afraid for my life ever before. This incident has left me feeling wary about going out in the evening.’
Catherine Spedding, repre
‘Premeditated attack’
senting Simon Long, told the court: ‘ It wasn’t the Long brothers who were the initial aggressors. They themselves received injuries.’
The twins were convicted of wounding with intent and affray. The judge, Recorder Emma Zeb, sentenced Michael Long, of Cheltenham, to three years in jail. Simon Long, also of Cheltenham, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years.