Groom punched best man in wedding day brawl - court (From Worcester News)

Groom punched best man in wedding day brawl - court

8:30am Saturday 8th March 2008 in

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A WEDDING reception turned into a mass brawl involving the groom, best man and bride. Mark and Debbie Brotherton's big day went smoothly, but in the evening tempers flared, resulting in the groom attacking best man, Wayne Reeve.

Kerry Moreton, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court, said a fight erupted at Norton Village Hall when Mr Reeve told the newlyweds to go home and let him clear up.

"Mr Brotherton took exception to that and he was verbally abusive and he punched Mr Reeve several times, breaking his tooth," she said. Mr Reeve also fractured his finger.

However, Brotherton denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm, claiming the DJ was responsible for hitting his former friend.

During Thursday's trial Mr Reeve said 38-year-old Brotherton, of Fairfield Place, Evesham, became aggressive when he insisted the couple go home, punching him in the face. He said: "There was a big ruck on the floor, there was Debbie and the kids and they were all joining in."

Mr Reeve said Brotherton was kneeling over him, throwing punches. "He just said that he was going to kill me," he added.

His 21-year-old brother Jesse said Brotherton bit his arm as he tried to intervene.

However, Brotherton said Mr Reeve started the argument, pushing him in the chest before going outside, where he claimed a third party hit his best man. "He came back in the single door holding his mouth and he said to me look what you'Ve done," he said.

Brotherton said the pair fell out because Mr Reeve had been trying to take over his wedding.

Debbie Brotherton claimed Mr Reeve punched her husband, before hitting her 17-year-old daughter Anna and turning on her. However, neither the mother or daughter made a complaint about these alleged assaults.

She claimed Mr Reeve was not injured before he went outside.

"When he came back in shouting at Mark and pushing Mark again he was bleeding, his face was full of blood" she added. "It's a disgrace really. He was best man and it really ruined the end of the night. I think he was jealous of Mark being with me."

Another guest at last July's wedding, 17-year-old Melody Mort, claimed she saw the DJ punch Mr Reeve in the face.

Brotherton was found guilty and fined £100. He must also pay £50 compensation and £250 court costs.