May 17 – Bar Brawl Trial Starts In Supreme Court
The trial of two local brothers accused of causing a “violent” bar brawl started at the Supreme Court yesterday.
Jesse Sanchez, 20, faces a number of charges including assault occasioning in actual bodily harm, grievous bodily harm with intent, grievous bodily harm, four counts of assaulting a police officer and one count of resisting police. His brother Damian, 24, is accused of resisting police. Both brothers face a joint charge of affray.
The brothers have denied all the charges which relate to an incident in October 2013.
It is alleged the defendants were asked to stop playing the fruit machines at the Quarterdeck Tavern as it was near closing time. This resulted in a fight breaking out where one man allegedly sustained a fractured skull when he was hit over the head with a bar stool.
The brothers were stopped by police officers in Ocean Village and taken to the former coach park for questioning. It is said that when Jesse saw the police arresting his brother, he allegedly “leapt” at the officer and punched him, leaving him with lacerations and bruises.
Prosecutor Robert Fischel QC said: “The two defendants set about causing havoc and mayhem.”
Giving evidence in court yesterday afternoon, Stephen Lee Mandleberg said he had to spend a week in hospital, was given 20 stitches and could not drive for six months following the incident. He said he still suffers from headaches as a result of the injuries sustained, and has missed being promoted at work after having missed work for six weeks.
Pub landlord Tony Farmer said he blacked out after being beaten up by Jesse Sanchez. He said his bar was “wrecked” when he gained consciousness.
Chris Miles appears for the defendants.
The trial is expected to continue until Thursday.
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