Brothers in wedding axe terror jailed
Two Wolverhampton brothers who were part of a gang armed with axes, swords and billhooks that ambushed a wedding reception in Walsall were today behind bars.
Two Wolverhampton brothers who were part of a gang armed with axes, swords and billhooks that ambushed a wedding reception in Walsall were today behind bars.
One man was left with a six-inch gash to the head caused by an axe following the violence at Calderfields Golf Club in Aldridge.
Tommy and Jerry Quinn, of Showell Road, Low Hill, were sent down for 18 months yesterday at Wolverhampton Crown Court, which heard the celebration could have become a "blood bath".
Violence erupted at around 11pm on September 26 last year due to tension between the families, the court heard.
CCTV footage played in court showed young bridesmaids in pink dresses running from the gang of men.
The video showed a 20-strong group armed with axes, swords, billhooks and planks of wood pile into the clubhouse, cause a disruption and then spill out on to the car park.
Miss Helena Miller, prosecuting, said a fight took place on the car park before the men fled in a lorry.
She said: "During the disturbance, Kevin Clee was hit on the back of the head with an axe and fell to his knees."
The court was told Mr Clee was left with a six-inch laceration, still suffered headaches that lasted for weeks at a time and was now too scared to attend family functions.
The Quinn brothers had pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon and sentenced to 18 months each. Tommy Quinn, aged 29, was armed with an axe and Jerry, aged 19, with a sword.
Their brother David Quinn, aged 26, of the same address, was given a nine-month prison sentence suspended for two years, 18 months supervision and 150 hours unpaid work. The court heard David had already been at the reception for an hour before the violence flared and had not got involved in the fight on the car park but did arm himself with a golf club.
Judge Michael Dudley said: "Violent disorder is always a serious offence as it lures people in – it is even more serious when weapons are used.
"Here, somebody was enjoying their wedding day when in came people armed with weapons.
"What was going through the minds of the guests, I dread to think.
"You ruined the day through this disgraceful show of force."
Mr Richard Davenport, defending Tommy Quinn, said the father-of-four had "stirred up a hornet's nest" but was remorseful.
Mr Gareth Shires, defending Jerry Quinn, said he too regretted his actions and was "extremely frightened" of custody. Mr Shires admitted it would have been a "blood bath" if the weapons had been used.
Mr Christopher O'Gorman, defending David, said he was a legitimate guest at the party and had not got involved with the fight on the car park.
