Dad's court rant as he's locked up after year on run

JAILED FOR PART IN VIOLENT SCRAP IN THE GAY VILLAGE

- CARL JACKSON Court Reporter

Thomas Sweeney Senior

A DAD accused a judge of being “racist” to Travellers as he was jailed following more than a year on the run.

Thomas Sweeney Senior burst into a rant after his claims that he fled Birmingham out of fears for his own safety were dismissed.

Judge Dean Kershaw branded his outburst “ridiculous” as he ordered for him to be taken down to the court cells.

Sweeney, aged 44, and at least seven other members of his family were involved in a massive scrap in the Gay Village in July 2023.

It was captured on vivid CCTV footage and branded “one of the worst disorders” in Birmingham by Judge Kershaw.

Sweeney, along with his wife Ellen Sweeney, and son Thomas Sweeney Junior, admitted violent disorder but pleaded to be granted bail because Thomas Jnr was due to get married.