Four men have been handed 12-month community orders for their involvement in a violent disorder that broke out on Fleet Street, Swindon, in the early hours of December 23, 2022.
The incident, which escalated into a large-scale brawl, saw punches, kicks, and even chairs thrown as a number of people clashed in a chaotic scene just before Christmas.
Mason McRae, 20, of Courtenay Road, Caine Bowers, 28, of Meadowcroft, Stratton St Margaret, and Warwick Schonke, 26, of Beatty Court, were sentenced at Swindon Magistrates Court for affray. All three were given 12-month community orders and required to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work. They were also ordered to pay £85 in court costs.
James Finn, 19, of Celsus Grove, received a similar sentence on September 20, 2023. He was given a 12-month community order, with a requirement to complete 80 hours of unpaid work. In addition, Finn was ordered to pay a £114 surcharge and £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.
The disorder, which began just after 4am, involved a large number of individuals, with some participants even stamping on others during the fracas. Chairs were used as weapons in the heated melee, although, fortunately, only minor injuries were reported.
Detective Constable James Pugh, from Swindon CID, commented on the complexities of the case. “This was a particularly challenging investigation, involving multiple people, including innocent members of the public caught up in the violence. Identifying everyone involved required significant effort, and we are grateful for the public’s support following a media appeal.”
Pugh reassured the community that the police remain committed to their safety. “Bringing those responsible to justice has taken time due to the scale of the incident, but we want the public to know that their safety remains our top priority.”
Anyone with additional information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the police via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 54220134177. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
