What was meant to be another late-night celebration of music ended in violence at a Margate nightclub, leaving one of Britain’s best-known DJs seriously injured.
DJ Fat Tony, a veteran of the house music scene, was attacked inside the DJ booth just before he was due to finish his set — an incident that shocked clubgoers and rippled through the music world.
The Man Who Admitted the Attack
Zack Bradley, 37, who performs under the name Zack Le Nez, has now admitted responsibility for the assault.
Bradley struck DJ Fat Tony — whose real name is Tony Marnoch — knocking the 60-year-old unconscious after punching him twice in the face.
The attack happened during the early hours of December 14, 2024, at the Lido Leisure Centre in Margate, Kent.
Tension Behind the Decks
According to Tony, the trouble began when Bradley and a friend entered the DJ booth while he was playing.
Tony says he asked them to leave so he could finish the final 15 minutes of his set uninterrupted. Instead, the situation quickly spiralled.
Shouting, abuse, and hostility filled the cramped space.
Tony later said the friend used homophobic slurs, sparking an argument.
When Tony attempted to collect his things and leave the booth, Bradley suddenly lashed out.
Knocked Out and Rushed to Hospital
Witnesses watched in horror as Tony was punched to the ground.
Video footage from the club later surfaced online, capturing the shocking moment.
Tony says the next thing he remembers is waking up in an ambulance.
Doctors later confirmed he had suffered a fractured eye socket and a broken cheekbone.
Images of his injuries circulated widely, prompting messages of support from across the entertainment industry, including Sharon Stone, Jennifer Lopez, and Ellie Goulding.
Courtroom Admission
Bradley was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with grievous bodily harm.
On Monday morning, he appeared at Canterbury Crown Court, where he spoke only to confirm his identity and enter a guilty plea.
Dressed in a blue patterned suit and black turtleneck, Bradley stood before His Honour Judge Edmund Fowler, who confirmed that his early guilty plea would be taken into account during sentencing.
Bradley was released on bail, with the judge stressing the importance of complying with existing court orders.
The court also heard that Bradley is subject to a known offender report, which will be considered when sentencing takes place at a later date.
Tony’s Reaction: Relief, Not Revenge
Outside the courtroom, Tony’s response was calm and measured.
He welcomed the guilty plea, saying it showed the justice system working as it should.
He was clear, though, that he takes no pleasure in the idea of anyone going to prison.
For him, the admission brought closure rather than triumph.
Living With the Aftermath
Despite returning to work, Tony says the impact of the attack hasn’t faded.
Performing now comes with constant awareness and anxiety — something he never expected after decades in the industry.
Because his tour dates are public, he says he has had to travel with security for the past year, a decision that has been emotionally and financially draining.
Even physically, the effects linger: weakness around one eye, occasional headaches, and a visible reminder of what happened.
A Vulnerable Profession
Tony reflected on how exposed DJs can be, often working within arm’s reach of crowds and strangers.
He admitted that being attacked had never crossed his mind before that night — but now, that sense of vulnerability is impossible to ignore.
Still, he remains committed to his craft.
For him, house music is about joy, love, and connection — values he says were shattered by a moment of senseless violence.
Looking Ahead
While the legal process continues, Tony is focused on healing and moving forward.
He acknowledges that the outcome could have been far worse and hopes the case serves as a reminder that conflict never needs to end in violence.
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