Organised scrap descended into huge family brawl
A MAN has been handed a £500 fine following an organised fight which descended into a fracas between two families from the travelling community.
Thomas Joyce, 44, was one of many men spotted on a video uploaded to YouTube which showed a fight between two younger men.
However as the video played on, others got involved, one of them being Joyce, of Middleton.
The others who got involved have not provided statements to the police, nor have they been arrested or charged, Manchester Crown Court heard.
Police had been looking into other videos which had previously been posted online where ‘threats or challenges’ had been made.
A significant police operation has been in place monitoring the feud between the two traveller families.
Joyce has since been asked by officers to help in ‘calming the situation’ as he has influence ‘on both sides.’
He pleaded guilty to an offence of section four public order, namely using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.
Describing the video footage, Brian Berlyne, prosecuting, said: “Several people are involved in the violence, the defendant throws punches, though he did not take part in the footage of the man who was being kicked whilst he lay on the ground.”
Joyce was said to have a number of previous convictions for violence, affray, public order offences and burglary.
Mitigating for Joyce, Daniel Travers said: “Mr Joyce played a relatively minor role and has been out of trouble for many years.”
Sentencing, Judge Hilary Manley said: “At 44 years old, you’re really too old to behave like this, you must surely have better things to do with your time.”
Joyce, of Boarshaw Clough, was fined £500.