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20
Apr
Pair admit affray at Ripon pub after ‘unprovoked attack’
Two men have admitted affray after an “unprovoked attack” on a man in a Ripon pub.
Stephen Plaxton, 26, of Markington, and George Sweeney, 22, of Magdalens Close, Ripon, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (April 16) where they spoke to confirm their names, date of births and addresses.
Sarah Tyer, prosecuting, said the pair had been at the Unicorn Hotel in Ripon on the night of April 19, 2024, when the attack happened.
Ms Tyer said the named victim had been out with friends when they decided to finish the evening at the pub on Market Place in the city.
At around 12.15am, the victim had gone upstairs to use the toilet when he said he saw some men “taking drugs”, the court heard.
Ms Tyrer said he returned to his friends downstairs where he said there were “some crackheads” in the toilets.
The court heard that a group of men on the next booth, which included Plaxton and Sweeney, overheard the remark and confronted the named victim.
Ms Tyrer said Plaxton then struck the man and Sweeney “punched him to the back of the head” in an attack which involved around “eight males”.
She said:
The victim was left with a two inch wound to his head and blurred vision. He also had constant headaches..
It was difficult to see who caused what injuries, therefore that is why there is an affray charge.
Sean Wilson, for Sweeney, said the 22-year-old had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
He added:
This is a matter that dates back just under two years. Mr Sweeney is losing his good character by his early guilty plea.
Meanwhile, Plaxton’s defence said the matter was not a targeted attack and the 26-year-old had admitted one punch.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
Plaxton and Sweeney will appear again at Harrogate Magistrates Court on June 19, 2026.
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