Men involved in mass brawl joked about court - but didn't realised mics were on

Daily Mirror

6 days ago

Jack Dixon, 19, and Kaden Manuel, 18, dialled into court for their sentencing over a violent attack outside a pub - and without realising their mics were on, joked about the trial
Two men laughed and joked about their court case unaware their microphones were still on during a hearing over a mass brawl outside a Welsh pub.
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Jack Dixon, 19, and Kaden Manuel, 18, dialled into Mold Crown Court from From HMP Berwyn for sentencing over the violent attack in Welshpool. While co-defendant Troy Cummings, 21, briefly left the room, Dixon told Manuel his lawyer would tell the court he had shown remorse, to which he replied: "Did I f***." When Cummings returned, he reminded them they were being recorded and could be heard in court.
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The pair looked sheepish - but later laughed throughout proceedings, including while a victim read their statement, during which Manuel yawned. His lawyer admitted he was "immature for his age." The case comes after teenage thugs beat a rough sleeper to death and laughed as he lay in street.
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The men were among four defendants jailed or handed suspended sentences after the "disgusting" 3am attack on July 13 outside the Angel pub in Welshpool. CCTV showed Cummings, Manuel, Dixon and Ryan Jones, 21, waiting outside the pub before following three men out of the car park, reports WalesOnline.
Footage of the Angel pub attack showed the moment Cummings grabbed one victim from behind, throwing him to the ground. After the man got up and swung a punch, the others joined in. Manuel kicked one victim in the head as he lay on the floor, while another man who tried to help was also attacked.
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At the time, Cummings was already under investigation for an earlier assault on two older men in Welshpool - including a disabled wheelchair user - after a row over him riding a moped-like bike on an estate. One neighbour suffered a broken nose after confronting him.
During the brawl investigation, police searching Dixon's home found cocaine and cannabis worth £900, plus weighing scales. He was also charged with possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply. Prosecutor Amy Edwards said Cummings had four previous convictions for six offences, Manuel one conviction for three offences, while Dixon and Jones had no prior trouble.
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Joseph Lees, representing Cummings, said his client "understands the seriousness of the offence and that custody is a real option for him.' He described a difficult childhood with an abusive father, but said a new relationship and his partner's pregnancy had given him motivation to change. "Being a better father than his father is very important for him," he said.
Also representing Dixon, Mr Lees described him as "a young man of previously good character" who pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. He had a "severely disruptive upbringing," with his mother jailed when he was two and much of his childhood spent in care. He used drugs for "self medication and social integration" and played a lesser role in street dealing, it was claimed.
Jemma Gordon, for Manuel, said he "wished to apologise to the victims and the court" and that the offence was not a reflection of who he was. "It's been a wake-up call to him, being imprisoned in an adult institution… He is still assessed as being particularly immature and liable to be influenced by others," she said.
Oliver King, for Jones, said his client "didn't start the violence" but got caught up in "pack mentality." He had no previous convictions and a "good work ethic."
Cummings, of Oldford Rise, Welshpool, was jailed for 18 months and given a 10-year restraining order barring him from approaching the residents involved in the moped row. Dixon, of Severn Street, Welshpool, was jailed for two years, half of which he'll serve in custody.
Manuel, also of Severn Street, was given six months suspended for 18 months, at least half of which he'll serve behind bars, with a five-day rehabilitation requirement, a building better choices programme, and 100 hours unpaid work. Jones, of Castle Walk, Welshpool, was given a six-month sentence suspended for 12 months and 150 hours unpaid work.