Tough warning on violence

Saturday 30th January 2010, 3:00PM GMT.

The Bailiff, Michael Birt, has given a tough warning on street crime

THE Bailiff has issued a tough warning on street crime after a thug was jailed for breaking a man’s jaw during a bloody eight-man brawl in the Royal Square.

Michael Birt said that drink- and drug-fuelled violence on the streets of St Helier was ‘completely unacceptable’ and warned that those who are arrested would face the full force of the courts.

He spoke out after Islander Mark Paul Marriott was jailed for 2½years for kicking a man in the head as his 21st birthday celebrations descended into a mass fight.

Mr Birt said: ‘This was a serious affray. Street violence is completely unacceptable and the court is determined to send out a clear message to those who engage in drink- or drug-induced brutality of this kind that they will face severe punishment.’

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