Five men have been sentenced following a violent street fight in central Brighton that saw weapons including knives, a baseball bat and a BB gun used in broad daylight.
Police were called at around 2.20pm on 24 May 2022 after multiple 999 calls reported a large fight breaking out near a bus stop on Western Road. Witnesses said one man was repeatedly struck with a baseball bat, while another fired what appeared to be a gun.
The weapon was later confirmed to be a BB gun, but not before it shattered a bus window, leaving passengers terrified as the altercation unfolded just metres away.
By the time officers arrived on scene, all those involved had fled. Detectives quickly began gathering witness accounts and CCTV from local businesses. Footage showed the group fighting and carrying an array of weapons, prompting an urgent investigation.
Five suspects were arrested between 24 and 27 May 2022 and later bailed while enquiries continued. On 17 July 2023, all five were charged.
Those sentenced are:
- Oliver Pierce, 33, of Brentwood Road, Brighton – admitted possession of a knife in a public place.
- Roon Qadri, 26, of Ashton Lodge, Brighton – pleaded guilty to affray.
- Hogr Banaee, 25, of Gabriels Hill, Maidstone – admitted violent disorder.
- Kozheen Banaee, 24, of Station Road, Maidstone – admitted violent disorder.
- Yad Fatah, 25, of Selsfield Drive, Brighton – pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.
Ahead of a planned trial on 8 September, Fatah pleaded guilty to all charges. Pierce later admitted possession of a knife, while both Banaee brothers pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Qadri admitted affray. Remaining charges were left to lie on file.
All five were sentenced on 21 November at Hove Crown Court.
Sentences handed down:
- Pierce: 2 years 8 months’ imprisonment
- Hogr Banaee: 2 years 3 months’ imprisonment
- Kozheen Banaee: 2 years 3 months’ imprisonment
- Qadri: 9 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months + £1,000 fine
- Fatah: 2-year sentence suspended for 18 months + 200 hours unpaid work
(A concurrent 9-month sentence for the weapon offence was also suspended)
In his remarks, the judge told the men:
“You ran down the road with a baseball bat, Mr Fatah, a firearm, Hogr Banaee, and a large knife, Kozheen Banaee.
You, Mr Fatah, caught up with someone and repeatedly hit them over the head in a manner that could have killed them.”
Detective Constable Gavin Harper, who led the investigation, said:
“This was an extremely violent incident that unfolded in broad daylight on one of Brighton’s busiest streets, leaving residents, visitors and bus passengers genuinely fearful for their safety.
The CCTV footage was indisputable, and the level of violence could easily have led to far more serious injuries, also putting innocent members of the public at risk.
We’d like to thank the witnesses and local businesses whose support was invaluable.”
The case has now concluded.
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