A family has gone on the run following their involvement in what has been described as “one of the worst” brawls to occur in Birmingham city centre. The family includes Ellen Sweeney, 39, her husband Thomas Sweeney senior, 43, their son Thomas Sweeney junior, 18, and David Mongan, 18. They were part of a violent attack on multiple men and women outside the Glamorous nightclub in the Gay Village during the early hours. The brutal assault involved punches, kicks, and the use of a glass bottle, leaving victims with severe injuries including cuts, bruises, and unconsciousness.
The Sweeneys, who had pleaded guilty to violent disorder, were sentenced in absentia at Birmingham Crown Court after failing to show up for the hearing for the second time. Despite claims by Thomas junior that he was about to get married, which allowed them bail at an earlier hearing, they are believed to have absconded to the Republic of Ireland. David Mongan, who admitted to violent disorder and shoplifting charges, received a prison sentence.
The judge condemned the group, calling them “cowards” for engaging in violence against intoxicated individuals using a mob culture. The incident, which unfolded in July the previous year, involved multiple members of the family attacking and assaulting individuals in a gratuitous manner. The violent episode intensified over several minutes before being interrupted by police arrival.
The court heard details of how the altercation began with a verbal disagreement before escalating into physical violence. Video surveillance captured the family members actively participating in the assault, with Mongan delivering a vicious attack on a man while others also engaged in violent behaviour. Police arrested the perpetrators at the scene.
The Sweeney family relocated from Birmingham and were granted bail at an address in Croydon, London. However, they failed to report to police as required, with subsequent investigations revealing they were not at their London residence and were believed to be in Ireland. The judge dismissed their excuses for failure to attend court and requested the involvement of Interpol and Irish authorities in their arrest.
Mongan, who was sentenced to three years and four months for multiple shoplifting incidents, expressed remorse for his actions, attributing them to immaturity and recklessness. Thomas junior and Thomas senior received prison sentences, with their lawyers highlighting factors such as lack of previous criminal records and personal challenges. Ellen Sweeney, a mother of 12, faced a jail sentence with her barrister acknowledging her shame and regret but also accepting her role in instigating violence during the brawl.
The judge, while considering a suspended sentence for Ellen Sweeney, expressed lack of confidence in her adherence to community-based punishments based on her history of court absences. The family’s deception and attempts to evade justice have led to international efforts to locate and apprehend them.