Jersey men face Australian court over street fight

Monday 03 June 2019

Two Jerseymen have pleaded guilty to their part in a Sydney street fight, involving a man being kicked in the head while unconscious.

Captured on camera by a laughing bystander, the five-man brawl took place outside the iconic Coca-Cola sign in the city’s red-light district, Kings Cross, shortly before the dawn Anzac Day service.

The video appears to show various punches being thrown in multiple directions during the clash, while the filmer encourages and goads the fighters.

But those comments turned to concern and calls for an ambulance after one of the men was knocked out from behind and kicked in the head while he lay on the ground.

All of the men involved – three Jerseymen and two other Brits – were immediately served with a ban from the Central Business District’s entertainment precinct and charged with affray.

All were given bail except Christopher Ware, from Jersey, who appeared at Parramatta Bail Court last month.

He was knocked unconscious during the fight. When he came round, he apparently retaliated by attacking a 19-year-old, who was already lying motionless on the floor.

He pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and was fined $1,000 for his involvement.

Former Highlands student James Murphy (27) then followed, admitting to using “illegal violence” before Deputy Registrar Hoffman at Sydney Downing Centre Court.

Court officials confirmed to Express that Bondi Beach-based Murphy would be sentenced on 18 June at 09:30. 

Liam Beckford (30) – also from Jersey – denied attacking two individuals and is due back in court on 2 July.