Five men have been sentenced following a violent altercation involving knives, a baseball bat and an BB gun in central Brighton.

At 2.20pm on 24 May 2022, police received emergency calls reporting that a large fight was taking place involving a number of men, near a bus stop on Western Road, Brighton.

Witnesses also told police that one man had been repeatedly hit with a baseball bat, and that a gun had been fired by another person involved.

The firearm, later found to be a BB gun, had shattered a nearby bus window, leaving passengers fearing for their safety.

Officers quickly arrived at the scene, however all involved had already fled the area.

Enquiries were carried out immediately with witnesses and local businesses, leading to CCTV being uncovered which showed the altercation taking place and those involved carrying a series of weapons.

An investigation was launched, and as a result, five suspects were arrested between 24 and 27 May 2022.

They were then bailed while enquiries continued and further evidence was secured.

On 17 July, 2023, all five of the men were charged.

Oliver Pierce, 33, of Brentwood Road, Brighton, was charged with violent disorder and possession of a knife in a public place.

Roon Qadri, 26, of Ashton Lodge, Brighton, was charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Hogr Banaee, 25, Gabriels Hill, Maidstone, was charged with violent disorder and possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Kozheen Banaee, 24, of Station Road, Maidstone, was charged with violent disorder and possession of a knife in a public place.

Yad Fatah, 25, Selsfield Drive, Brighton, charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon in a oublic place.

Ahead of the trial, which was set to begin on September 8, Fatah pleaded guilty to the charges.

Later, Pierce pleaded guilty to possession of a knife in a public place, both Hogr and Kozheen Banaee pleaded guilty to violent disorder, and Qadri pleaded guilty to affray. All other offences were left to lie on file.

Together, their sentencing took place on 21 November at Hove Crown Court.

Oliver Pierce was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.

Hogr Banaee and Kohzeen Banaee were both sentenced to two years and three months in prison.

Roon Qadri was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, along with a £1,000 fine.

Yad Fatah was given a two-year sentence suspended for 18 months, together with 200 hours of unpaid work. A further nine-month sentence for the offensive weapon offence was imposed concurrently and also suspended.

In delivering his sentencing remarks, the judge said,
“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 of the incident was indisputable, and the level of violence could easily have led to far more serious injuries, as well as putting innocent members of the public at risk of being caught in the unfolding altercation.

“The case has now concluded, and we would like to thank the witnesses and the local businesses whose support was invaluable.”