A notorious family, including a mother of twelve, is now evading the authorities following what’s been described as one of Birmingham’s most severe brawls.
Ellen Sweeney, 39, her husband Thomas Sweeney senior, 43, and their son Thomas Sweeney junior, 18, have reportedly fled to the Republic of Ireland.
A judge has called for Interpol’s assistance to track them down after they missed two court dates in the past two weeks, with their latest absence occurring yesterday.
The Violent Incident Unfolds
The brawl, described as one of the worst in Birmingham, erupted in the early hours of July 15 last year.
The violence started after Thomas Sr. engaged in a heated argument with an Asian man on Hurst Street, which escalated into a physical altercation.
Despite Thomas Sr.’s claims of racial abuse, no evidence was found to support this.
CCTV footage revealed the Sweeney family and associates, including David Mongan, 18, attacking multiple individuals as they left the Glamorous nightclub.
One victim was left unconscious after a brutal beating involving repeated punches, kicks, and stomps.
Another suffered severe injuries from a glass bottle, while others experienced head injuries and seizures.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Mongan, who appeared in Birmingham Crown Court, was sentenced to three years in prison for violent disorder and multiple shoplifting offenses.
Judge Dean Kershaw criticized the group for their cowardly behavior, pointing out the excessive violence inflicted on victims who were intoxicated and defenseless.
The violence continued as Ellen Sweeney engaged in a verbal and physical altercation with another woman, leading to further chaos as her family members joined in.
Victims attempted to seek help but were chased down and attacked again before police arrived and made arrests.
Family’s Flight and Legal Issues
After the incident, the Sweeneys moved from Birmingham to Croydon, London.
Thomas Jr. last attended a police station on August 9, while Thomas Sr. and Ellen checked in on August 13.
Their subsequent absences were not noticed until August 21 due to lapses in monitoring.
Despite efforts to locate them, police found their London residence empty when they arrived at 2 a.m. on the day of their sentencing.
Ellen Sweeney had falsely claimed to be in Scotland but was actually in Ireland.
Judge Kershaw criticized the excuse as a ruse and has now enlisted Interpol and Irish authorities to track them down.
Sentencing Details for the Remaining Members
Mongan was also sentenced for thefts totaling over £8,500, receiving three years and four months.
Defense arguments described him as “immature” and “intoxicated” during the incident, regretting his actions.
Thomas Jr. received two years and four months, with his defense citing his clean record and the fact that it was his first experience with alcohol.
Thomas Sr. was sentenced to two years and ten months, with his defense citing his traumatic background and mental health struggles.
Ellen Sweeney received a sentence of one year and 11 months.
Her defense highlighted her remorse and her role as a protector in the initial stages of the violence.
However, due to her failure to attend court, Judge Kershaw decided against suspending her sentence, fearing she would not comply with any community-based punishment.
The judge’s remarks and the ongoing search for the Sweeneys highlight the seriousness of their offenses and the challenges faced in bringing them to justice.
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