Court: Three men jailed after fight outside Flint pubs

Eight men appeared for sentence at Mold Crown Court on Tuesday for their part in a large scale disturbance outside the Feathers Pub in Holywell.

They were:

• Christopher Beaumont, aged 32 and of Oak Court in Runcorn
• Luke Foster, aged 21 and of Borough Grove in Flint
• Cameron Hughes, aged 20 and of Moorfields in Holway
• Joshua Jones, aged 20 and of Moor Lane in Holway
• Shaun Kennedy, aged 21 and of Strand Crescent in Holywell
• Haydyn Large, aged 20 and of Maesgwyn in Flint
• Kallum Roberts, aged 21 and of Maes Yr Odyn in Holywell
• Ryan Williams, aged 20 and of Royal Drive in Flint

Laura Knightly, prosecuting, told the court that shortly before midnight on February 25, 2022, Flintshire Council CCTV operators saw a "large scale disturbance" involving around 30 people outside the Feathers - with weapons being brandished by some.

CCTV captured the conduct of all eight on the night.

That included Foster running to the pub and approaching Beaumont and another man.

He threw about 15 punches at the other man before throwing him to the floor.

Roberts was seen pushing another male and throwing a punch, causing an unknown man to fall.

Hughes could be seen 'running in' and kicking a man in the back six times.

Ryan Williams (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)Large was spotted brandishing a knife, pointing it at the pub.

And Ryan Williams was seen with a baton, acting aggressively towards others with it.

Williams was approached by Beaumont, who received a strike from the baton.

Kennedy was seen throwing a punch at an unknown male.

And Joshua Jones was seen kicking another man on the floor.

When the police arrived, the fight had moved down the street - which was described as "busy with people" - and was happening outside the Wetherspoons pub.

Large was found in an alleyway off the High Street, with some of his clothing, a phone and a "Rambo-style" knife found under a van wheel nearby.

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Also found in the street was a black baton, a mask and gloves with Williams' DNA on it.

When Williams was arrested at his home, police found two bags of cocaine in his bedroom.

Some of the defendants gave no comment in interview - but Foster told police its had been a "fight between Flint and Holywell lads."

Haydyn large (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)Williams and Large appeared via the video link from HMP Berwyn - having been jailed for drugs offences following the Holywell incident.

Oliver King, defending Williams, told the court his client's ongoing sentence is one of 40 months.

"He was caught up in using drugs and then owing money and being intimidated into dealing," Mr King said.

"The debts followed him into prison - he is finding it difficult.

"This [Holywell] incident happened almost two years ago.

"It was an unpleasant incident, but it was out of character for him.

"He got swept up in this rivalry between groups of males."

Mark LeBroq, defending Large, said: "It's important to point out that although he was in possession of a very vicious looking knife, it was only used to threaten.

"This defendant isn't one of those actually using violence in the affray."

Paul Wood, defending Beaumont, said: "There is a level of provocation in my submission - he says they were fighting because the others were outside threatening with weapons.

"He co-operated with the police in interview.

"The defendant has not assisted himself by committing another offence since, but he's been out on licence for a year now and he has made so much progress.

Christopher Beaumont (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)"He's turned his life around."

Judge Niclas Parry indicated his intention to follow the Probation Service's non-custodial recommendations in respect of the remaining defendants and as such their barristers did not address the court further.

Judge Parry told the defendants: "This was a terrifying incident and as a Judge from Halkyn, it's a matter of disbelief for me that all of this is predicated on rivalry between yobs from Flint and Holywell.

"This was as childish and immature as it was serious - you're adults, not 13 and 14-year-old schoolboys.

"All of you have to realise that when you become involved in a joint venture such as this, you're liable to be considered for the actions of others as well as your own."

Ryan Williams received a six month immediate custodial sentence for affray, possession of a weapon and possession of drugs.

Haydyn Large was jailed for 10 months for affray and possession of a knife.

And Christopher Beaumont was jailed for six months for affray.

Jones, Kennedy, Foster and Hughes received sentences of six months, suspended for 18 months, and Roberts received eight months, suspended for 18.

All of the defendants receiving suspended sentences were ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work - with the exception of Hughes, who received a four month curfew instead.