Three members of same family jailed over bloodbath during hotel wedding reception

Three members of the same family who were part of a mass brawl at a hotel wedding reception have been jailed.

Thomas Stokes, 30, Edward William Stokes, 28, and Terry Stokes, 36, were part of a 50-person “bloodbath” that caused £18,000 worth of damage to the Daresbury Park Hotel in Warrington, Cheshire.

They were among 11 men charged after the huge brawl broke out between wedding guests that saw partygoers barricade themselves inside a function room in fear.

A fourth man, Edward Stokes, 50, was given a suspended prison sentence for his part in the incident at the hotel, which charges up to £5,000 for a wedding package.

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.

Edward William Stokes was seen holding a pole and throwing glasses, while Terry Stokes was one of a number who was pictured walking around with a blood-stained white vest and no shirt.

Thomas Stokes 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.

Police were initially forced to retreat from the scene when the punch-up began, before armed officers were brought in to restore order.

Prosecutors described the incident as “mayhem”, with CCTV footage shown in Chester Crown Court revealing that staff, wedding planners and children were present during the fight.

Dozens of police were called to the scene and 30 police cars flooded the area to contain the violent outbreak at around 11.15pm on 26 June, 2019.

Three people were taken to hospital after suffering minor injuries.

More than £16,000 worth of “extensive” damage was caused to the hotel and damage to about £2,400 caused to items belonging to the wedding planner.

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.

Judge Simon Berkson told a sentence hearing this week that the events of the previously joyous day would have been “truly shocking” for all those who attended.

He said: “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.”

All defendants pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder – except Edward Stokes, who admitted threatening behaviour

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.