A teenager who spent over a year as a fugitive after a mass family brawl in Birmingham city centre has finally been captured and sent to prison.
Chaotic Scene and Failed Court Appearance
Thomas Sweeney junior, now aged 19, was due to be sentenced in August 2024 for his part in a violent incident in the city's Gay Village. The chaotic event, which occurred in the early hours of 15 July 2023, was captured on high-quality CCTV footage after the family left the Glamorous nightclub.
The then 18-year-old had pleaded guilty to violent disorder alongside his mother, Ellen Sweeney, 39, and father, Thomas Sweeney senior, 43. The court had granted a request to delay sentencing so the teenager could get married. However, when the date arrived, all three defendants failed to appear at Birmingham Crown Court and vanished, with authorities believing they had fled to Ireland.
Sentencing in Absence and Eventual Capture
One month after their disappearance, Judge Dean Kershaw handed down custodial sentences in their absence. Sweeney junior received a term of two years and four months in prison. His status as a wanted fugitive lasted for more than 12 months.
His run from the law ended on 3 January 2026. Prosecutor Alura Bather explained to the court that Cheshire Police stopped a vehicle he was driving on the M6 southbound. Sweeney initially gave a false name but then admitted his true identity. A check on the Police National Computer revealed he was not only wanted for the Birmingham brawl but also for other outstanding matters elsewhere in the country.
He was arrested and promptly brought before the court. Appearing via video link from HMP Altcourse in Liverpool, he admitted failing to surrender to bail.
Judge's Condemnation and Extended Sentence
His defence barrister, Queenie Djan, stated her client had panicked due to his youth and had since suffered family bereavements. She claimed he had decided to face the consequences and was on his way to Stechford Police Station to turn himself in when arrested.
Judge Kershaw, who was presiding over the case once more, completely rejected this claim. He condemned Sweeney for showing "no regard" for the compassion the court had shown by allowing him to marry before his original sentencing date.
In an extraordinary move, the judge took the decision to exceed standard sentencing guidelines to impose a more severe punishment. He handed down an additional two-month sentence, to be served consecutively with the original 28-month term.
The judge described the July 2023 brawl, which involved at least eight family members, as 'one of the worst' ever witnessed in the city centre. Sweeney junior's specific actions included punching a man twice, delivering 14 kicks, and assaulting a taxi driver.
Ellen Sweeney and Thomas Sweeney senior, formerly of Stechford, remain at large and are still wanted by police.
