A gang that launched a terrifying attack involving knives, axes and spades at a kids’ boxing tournament has been jailed. Police released footage of the chaotic brawl at the sports centre in Ryton, just outside Coventry, in which men from London are seen throwing chairs at people, while others dashed to their cars to grab pickaxe handles, knives, hand-axes, and spades.
Some of them start smashing windscreens of cars in the car park while others run inside the building where they attack a smaller group of men cornered in the bar area. One victim falls to the ground where he is kicked, punched, and slashed in the face with a blade, later needing stitches. The men then flee the building before speeding away in their cars.
Now after a four-year investigation involving Warwickshire Police, Thames Valley Police, and the Metropolitan Police, 23 of those involved have been handed down sentences totaling 48 years.
READ MORE: Michael Costin victims face paedophile scoutmaster in court as they tell of harrowing sexual abuse
The 20-minute burst of violence broke out after a group of 60 men arrived at the venue in a convoy of 13 cars and 4x4s on February 15, 2020.
They stormed the venue where they targeted a smaller group of men inside, while 300 people including families and young competitors, were forced to run for cover. The boxing tournament was cancelled and thousands of pounds of damage was caused to the sports centre.
After the ruckus, police pored over CCTV and mobile phone footage to identify 30 suspects, mostly from London and Buckinghamshire. After a lengthy arrest and interview phase during the Covid lockdowns, the CPS authorised charges of Violent Disorder against 29 men, with some additionally charged with GBH and possession of offensive weapons.
Trials throughout 2023 ended with 23 sentences at Warwick Crown Court this month, including jail terms of nearly four years for the worst offenders. Judge Potter commended the investigation and the efforts of the officers who investigated the case.
‘They turned the venue into a warzone’
Detective Constable Middleton said: “This was a brazen, outrageous incident that saw people injured and would have caused huge distress to hundreds of members of the public who had simply attended a venue to enjoy a sporting event.
“Why any member of this group thought they would get away with turning a public venue into a warzone is beyond both me and the rest of the team who took part in this investigation.
“This has been a huge undertaking and I welcome the sentences handed out. All those involved in this ridiculous, dangerous behaviour now have plenty of time – whether it be through doing unpaid work or sitting in a prison cell – to reflect on their actions.
“The message is clear – there is no safety in numbers for people involved in violent disorder. Behave like this in our communities, and we’ll be catching up with you.”
The sentences
- Larry McCarthy, 30, of Colne Park Caravan Site, West Drayton, Hillingdon, was jailed for 40 months after pleading guilty to violent disorder, assault and possession of a knife.
- Anthony McDonagh, 29, of Colne Park Caravan Site, West Drayton, Hillingdon, was jailed for 44 months after pleading guilty to violent disorder, assault and possession of a knife.
- Declan McDonagh, 23, of Colne Park Caravan Site, West Drayton, Hillingdon, was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to violent disorder, assault and possession of an offensive weapon.
- William McDonagh, 36, of Pendles Paddock, Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire, was jailed for 42 months after pleading guilty to violent disorder, assault and possession of knife.
- Denis Murphy, 43, of Golborne Road, North Kensington, was jailed for 28 months after pleading guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.
- Francis O’Donnell, 24 of Lynton Close, Neasden, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and to possession of a bladed article. He was jailed for 33 months.
- Simon G. O’Donnell Snr, 43, of Stable Way, Shepherd’s Bush, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. He was jailed for 30 months.
- Simon O’Donnell Jnr, 22, of Stable Way, Shepherd’s Bush, was jailed for 30 months after pleading guilty to violent disorder.
- Charles Ward, 47, of Pendles Paddock, Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire, was jailed for 25 months after pleading guilty to violent disorder and possession of a knife, he had already served 5 months on remand.
- Patrick Corcoran, 35 of Pendles Paddock, Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. He was jailed for 27 months.
- Martin J. McDonagh, 35 of Burnhill Close, Beckenham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. He was jailed for 29 months.
- Michael O’Donnell, 26 of Hadrian Way, Staines-upon-Thames, was found guilty of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was sentenced in his absence to four years imprisonment.
- Richard O’Donnell, 33 of Stable Way, Shepherd’s Bush, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. He was jailed for 28 months.
- Edward McDonagh, 35, of Colne Park Caravan Site, West Drayton, Hillingdon, was jailed for 44 months after pleading guilty to violent disorder, assault and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon.
- Martin G. McDonagh, 41 of Colne Park Caravan Site, West Drayton, Hillingdon, pleaded guilty to violent disorder, possession of an offensive weapon, and possession of a bladed article. He was jailed for 40 months.
- Steven McDonagh, 37 of Colne Park Caravan Site, West Drayton, Hillingdon, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. He was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment.
- Anthony T. O’Donnell, 29, of Middle Ground, Wheatley, Oxfordshire was jailed for 32 months after being found guilty of violent disorder after trial.
- Anthony O’Donnell, 34, of Old Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Bexley, was given a 22-month prison sentence suspended for two years after pleading guilty to violent disorder
- Simon G. O’Donnell, 36 of Stable Way, Shepherd’s Bush, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4 of the Public Order Act concerning threatening words and behaviour. He has been given a sentence of four months imprisonment, suspended for one year, along with 100 hours of unpaid work.
- Jason O’Donnell, 35 of Stable Way, Shepherd’s Bush, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4 of the Public Order Act concerning threatening words and behaviour. He was sentenced to three months imprisonment suspended for one year, and 100 hours of unpaid work.
- Daniel North, 37 of Bramley Road, Southgate, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4 of the Public Order Act concerning threatening words and behaviour. He has been given a sentence of three months imprisonment, suspended for one year, along with 80 hours of unpaid work
- Simon C. O’Donnell, 37, of Stable Way, Shepherd’s Bush, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4 of the Public Order Act concerning threatening words and behaviour. He has been sentenced to a 12-month community order with 70 hours of unpaid work.
- Brian O’Donnell, 46 of Stable Way, Shepherd’s Bush, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4 of the Public Order Act concerning threatening words and behaviour. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order and 80 hours of unpaid work.
Got a story or a court case we should cover? Please email [email protected] or WhatsApp 07580255582
Don’t miss out on the latest crime stories from across London. Sign up to MyLondon’s Court & Crime newsletter HERE
