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Ninth member of same family jailed over 'bloodbath brawl' at hotel wedding reception

Michael Stokes, 56, is the ninth member of the same family to be jailed. (SWNS)
Michael Stokes, 56, is the ninth member of the same family to be jailed. (SWNS)

A ninth member of a single family has been jailed for their part in a "bloodbath brawl" at a hotel wedding reception.

Michael Stokes, 56, dislocated his shoulder after throwing a chair during the 50-person melee that caused £18,000 worth of damage at the Daresbury Park Hotel in Cheshire.

Eight of his relatives had already been jailed for their part in the violence, which saw some guests barricade themselves into a function room for safety.

Stokes, of Crewe, admitted violent disorder and was sentenced to two years in prison, taking the total jail time for those involved to 15 years and 10 months.

Stephen Stokes and  Thomas Stokes. (SWNS)
Stephen Stokes (L) and Thomas Stokes. (SWNS)
Brian Stokes (L) and John Steven Stokes. (SWNS)
Brian Stokes (L) and John Steven Stokes. (SWNS)

John Stokes, 23, John Steven Stokes, 27, Stephen Stokes, 25, Brian Stokes, 25, and Edward Joseph Stokes, 21, were all jailed last month.

Thomas Stokes, 30, Edward William Stokes, 28, Terry Stokes, 36 and Edward Stokes, 50, were also jailed for their parts in the mayhem.

Chester Crown Court heard how the brawl broke out at around 11.15pm on 26 June 2019 at the hotel in Warrington.

A barman said he saw three men arguing as he left to collect items from the main bar but when he returned, a huge fight between around 40 men had started.

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 and tables being overturned.

Edward William Stokes (L) and Edward Joseph Stokes. (SWNS)
Edward William Stokes (L) and Edward Joseph Stokes. (SWNS)

The footage also showed Michael Stokes throwing chairs and more than ten glasses across the room, before leaving the room.

He then returned and was spotted throwing another chair and more glasses.

The court heard how £16,000 worth of "extensive" damage was caused to the hotel, as well as damage of £2,400 to items belonging to the wedding planner.

In addition to the damage, which the Stokes family have paid for, £300 of alcohol was stolen as glass was taken for weapons.

In a statement, the hotel manager said the incident was the “worst he had ever seen in his career”, leaving the dance floor and walls covered in blood and glass.

John Christopher Stokes (L) and Terry Stokes. (SWNS)
John Christopher Stokes (L) and Terry Stokes. (SWNS)

Michael Stokes gave no replies during his police interview after initially claiming he was acting in self-defence.

He had a previous conviction of violent disorder in 2013, which he was jailed for two years.

He also has previous convictions of dishonesty.

Before sentencing, Judge Berkson said: “The events of that day were truly shocking to anyone who saw them.

"For those present and innocent, one can only imagine the fear.

“What should have been a happy occasion, a wedding, turned into a bloodbath."