Mother and Daughters Accused of Brawling with Off-Duty Police at London Cocktail Bar
A mother and her three daughters allegedly engaged in a violent brawl with five off-duty Metropolitan Police officers at a bottomless brunch cocktail bar in central London, a court has been told. The incident, which occurred on October 15, 2022, at the Cocktail Club on Shaftesbury Avenue, escalated after Rose Webb, 58, reportedly asked one of the officers if she was a lesbian, sparking what prosecutors described as an 'almighty melee'.
The Setting and Participants
Rose Webb was dining and drinking with her daughters—Casey Jackson, 32, Emma-Dee Jackson, 34, and Billie-Jo Jackson, 35—at the High School Musical-themed brunch event. The group was seated near five off-duty officers from the Metropolitan Police's Territorial Support Group: Tanisha Whitlock, Binal Valji, Daniella Andrean, Megan Pearson, and Bethan Thomas. Initially, both groups were in good spirits, enjoying prosecco and singing songs from the Disney film, including 'We're All In This Together'.
Escalation of the Conflict
According to prosecutor Alex Balancy, the pleasant atmosphere deteriorated rapidly when Webb became irritated by Ms Whitlock's dancing. After allegedly shoving one of the officers, Webb asked Ms Whitlock if she was a lesbian, which prosecutors claim triggered the violent confrontation. The scuffle involved all nine women and included kicking, punching, hair pulling, and choking, forcing staff and other customers to intervene.
Prosecutors detailed that Webb grabbed Ms Whitlock's hair, dragged her along the floor, and refused to let go, later punching her in the head. Emma-Dee Jackson was accused of pushing Ms Andrean with significant force, causing her to fall onto another officer. The prosecution argued that the defendants, under the influence of alcohol, 'simply lost it and went over the top', while the officers were trying to restrain them.
Legal Proceedings and Denials
Webb and her three daughters, all residents of Northolt in west London, have pleaded not guilty to charges of affray. The trial at Wood Green Crown Court continues, with the prosecution emphasizing that the violence was unwarranted and excessive. Background information reveals that Billie-Jo Jackson works in water safety at Hammersmith Hospital, Casey Jackson is employed by a property firm with high-profile clients, and Webb holds a managerial role in a business.
This case highlights a disturbing altercation in a social setting, raising questions about conduct and accountability. The court will further examine the events of that afternoon as the trial progresses.
