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A wedding reception at a luxury hotel exploded into a violent 50-guest bloodbath after an argument between three man escalated into a mammoth brawl.
Over £18,000 worth of damage was inflicted on the Daresbury Park Hotel after the marriage descended into chaos.
The violence was so aggressive some of the guests had to barricade themselves into a function room for their own protection.
Yesterday three family members were jailed for their part in the huge fight.
Thomas Stokes, 30, Edward William Stokes, 28, Terry Stokes, 36, were among 11 men charged after the fracas.
A fourth man, Edward Stokes, 50, was given a suspended prison sentence for his part in the carnage at the posh venue, which charges up to £5,000 for a wedding package
Police were initially forced to retreat from the Hotel in Warrington, Cheshire, when the punch-up began and armed officers were brought in to restore order.
Prosecutors described the incident as ‘mayhem’, with CCTV footage shown in court revealing that staff, wedding planners and children were present during the fight.
Chester Crown Court heard dozens of cops were called to the scene and 30 police cars flooded the area to contain the violent outbreak in June 2019.
At their sentencing hearing yesterday, Judge Simon Berkson said the events of the previously joyous day would have been ‘truly shocking’ for all those who attended.
Edward William Stokes, Terry Stokes and Thomas Stokes have all been jailed over the fight
The wedding had been a joyful occasion before the reception at the hotel suddenly kicked off
Four wedding-goers were handed prison sentences after a 50-person mass brawl turned the ‘happy’ event into an absolute ‘bloodbath’
He said: ‘The events of that day were truly shocking to anyone who saw them.. For those present and innocent, one can only imagine the fear.
‘What should have been a happy occasion, a wedding, turned into a bloodbath.
‘The suite was set up for a celebration, with a DJ playing music, people dancing and enjoying themselves. This came to an end when violence broke out.’
Prosecutor Robert Philpotts said the huge brawl erupted between up to 50 guests at the wedding reception at Daresbury Park Hotel, Warrington, Cheshire, on June 26, 2019.
He said at around 11 pm, the reception was in full swing, with 150 people expected in a function room on the first floor.
But by 11.15 pm, a barman saw three men arguing as he left to collect items from the main bar and when he returned, a huge fight between some 40 men had started.
CCTV footage played in court showed glasses and chairs being hurled across the room, as well as displays being torn down and a sweet cart overturned.
Police were called after a night porter saw what was happening on CCTV, but the first dispatch of officers withdrew on arrival, believing they were unable to deal with the situation alone.
The huge brawl erupted between up to 50 guests at the wedding reception at Daresbury Park Hotel, Warrington, Cheshire, on June 26, 2019.
CCTV footage showed Edward William holding a pole and throwing glasses.
Terry meanwhile was one of a number who was pictured walking around with a blood-stained white vest and no shirt.
He is also seen being led away by police wearing handcuffs.
Thomas was captured ripping apart a light display and pointing at people with a pole while throwing objects across the room.
Bodycam footage from police with audio captures loud shouting, with officers heard telling people to calm down.
It took a unit of armed backup officers to restore order and around 30 police cars were spotted rushing to the area, while Warrington Hospital even declared a major incident.
But amazingly, only three people were taken to hospital after suffering minor injuries.
The court heard more than £16,000 worth of ‘extensive’ damage was caused to the hotel and damage to around £2,400 caused to items belonging to the wedding planner.
In a statement, the hotel manager said the incident was the worst he had seen in his career, with blood and glass covering the dancefloor and walls.
In addition to the damage, which the court heard had been paid for by the Stokes family, £300 of alcohol was stolen and glass was taken for weapons.
An impact statement from the wedding arranger revealed how nine years worth of stock, which was her livelihood, was destroyed, impacting other weddings planning to hire the items.
The court was told that all defendants pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder, albeit at different stages of the court proceedings, except Edward who admitted threatening behaviour.
In defence of Thomas, his barrister referenced how he has stayed out of trouble since the offence and has reduced his alcohol consumption, which was the ‘underlying factor’ behind his offending.
Terry’s barrister said the married dad, who punched his brother on the night, was ‘hugely embarrassed and ashamed’ of his ‘pathetic’ actions.
Edward William’s legal representative described him as a man of ‘significant caring responsibilities’ with three children, and how he is a ‘lifeline for his family, providing practical support’
Meanwhile, Edward’s barrister said that he would be better served being punished in the community to rehabilitate him, rather than being sent to jail.
Sentencing the men, Judge Berkson said: ‘All of you participated in an incident with widespread violence.
‘It was persistent and sustained, causing serious disruption and a substantial effect on businesses. It ruined the day of the newlywed couple.’
Edward William Stokes, of Milton Keynes, Bucks., was sentenced to 27 months in prison.
Terry Stokes, of Winsford, Cheshire, was jailed for 21 months while Thomas Stokes, also of Milton Keynes, was jailed for 25 months.
Edward Stokes, of Crewe, Cheshire, was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.
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