Attackers ‘like pack of wolves’
SIX IN COURT FOLLOWING MASS BRAWL AT A PUB
SIX men involved in pub brawl which spilled out into the street behaved like “a pack of wolves” toward their victims, one of those involved said.
The group attacked two brothers in the Lamb pub, in Ashby, shortly before midnight on January 25 last year.
At one stage up to 30 people were involved in the fracas, with the two victims being punched and kicked repeatedly.
The violence continued outside, where one of the men, who was with his wife, was picked out again and subjected to a further beating.
Five of the six men appeared at Leicester Crown Court for sentencing after they admitting violent disorder. The sixth admitted affray.
Prosecutor Adam Pearson said someone “accidentally” bumped into the victim’s wife. He spoke to a man, later identified as William Tomlinson.
Mr Pearson said: “There was some pushing and shoving and a fight broke out and it rapidly became a brawl.
“The manager described as many as 25 to 30 people involved and that glasses were being thrown.”
Staff moved everyone they believed involved out into the street.
The victim and his wife went to a cash machine to get money for a taxi.
Mr Pearson said: “They were pursued by a group, including these defendants, and further violence occurred.
The victim was knocked. He suffered cuts, bruises a broken nose and a fracture to his upper left arm. His wife was also injured.
The five who admitted violent disorder were: William Tomlinson, 20, of Millpool close, Hartshorne; Kyron Bloor, 24, of New Road Coton-inthe-Elms; Kyle Fessey, 18, of Church Street, Coton-in-the-Elms; Calum McCarthy, 19, of Springfield Road, Midway; and Ethan Taylor-Smith, 20, of Hilton Close, Newhall.
Regan McKay admitted affray. Although he did kick or punch the victim, his involvement in the attack was judged to be less protracted.
Judge Robert Brown told them: “Your behaviour was a disgrace.
“I am told each one of you is remorseful and keen to stress that this was not the true side of your character.
“I am going to spare you immediate custody. But there is going to be a sentence in each of your cases which is going to hurt you – and so it should.”
The five who admitted violent disorder were sentenced to 12 months in custody, suspended for two years.
They will have to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and observe a nightly curfew for six months.
McKay, who has previously received cautions for assault, was given a nine-month sentence, suspended for two years, plus 80 hours of unpaid work and a curfew.
The judge said of the curfew: “You will not be out drinking in the autumn, you will not be out drinking at Christmas and you will not be out drinking at New Year.”
Each man will have to pay £400 compensation to their victim.
Matthew Hardyman told the court Bloor, who has a conviction for affray, had been appalled when police showed him CCTV of the fight, likening his and his friends’ behaviour to a pack of wolves.
Steve Newcome represented Fessey, who has no previous convictions and McCarthy, who was recently convicted of a racially aggravated public order offence for which he is still to be sentenced.
Mr Newcombe said McCarthy has a history of mental health issues but his condition has been stabilised.
Of Fessey, Mr Newcombe said: “It’s a combination of alcohol and pack mentality. There is genuine regret and remorse.”
Shital Maher, for convicted drug dealer Taylor-Smith, said: “He has matured recently and has held a job as a roofer for 15 months now.
“The prevailing theme of references is that he has become more responsible recently.”
Tomlinson’s representative, Nicola Hunter, said: “His behaviour on that day was isolated and out of character.”
He was “utterly sickened” when police showed him the CCTV of the attack, she said.