Callum Evans and Thomas Richards were heavily intoxicated when they violently confronted their victims on the bustling streets.
David Powell Court reporter
10:53, 12 Nov 2024
Callum Evans, left, and Thomas Richards were both jailed(Image: North Wales Police)
Two assailants, clearly inebriated, launched an unprovoked assault on a couple during a night out, escalating the situation further. One of the assailants shamelessly captured the brutal attack on video, later sharing it on Snapchat as if it were a mere joke.
Callum Evans, 26, residing on York Street in Oswestry, and 24-year-old Thomas Richards, who has no permanent address, entered a guilty plea to the charge of affray. During the sentencing at Mold Crown Court, the judge condemned their outrageous behavior and imposed a ten-month jail sentence for both defendants.
Prosecutor Anna Price informed the court that CCTV footage played a key role in the case, as operators observed an alarming “altercation” on Wrexham High Street around 7:15 PM on January 28 of this year. It was during this incident that Andrew Roberts and his partner, Tracey McKenzie, stumbled upon the defendants.
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In the courtroom, CCTV footage revealed a disturbing scene where Evans violently punched Mr. Roberts and then struck Ms. McKenzie, while Richards escalated the violence by smashing Mr. Roberts on the head with a bottle.
After knocking Mr. Roberts to the ground, Evans showed no mercy, launching another assault. Police units arrived on the scene shortly afterward, successfully apprehending both perpetrators nearby, according to reports from North Wales Live.
Both victims suffered from cuts to their heads, while Mr. Roberts also endured an injury to his hand. Despite their injuries, neither of the victims wished to pursue legal action. Nonetheless, Ms. McKenzie received treatment for her wounds at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, where her injuries were documented for evidence.
When questioned by authorities, Evans and Richards largely chose to remain tight-lipped. However, Richards confessed to recording the entire incident on his mobile device as a Snapchat video, yet he stubbornly refused to provide his phone’s PIN to police officials.
Alun Williams, Evans’ legal representative, conveyed that the incident began due to a minor “verbal altercation.” A probation officer’s evaluation indicated that Evans exhibited a “thinking deficit,” but there was optimism for potential rehabilitation.
Despite Evans’ previous violent offenses, Williams argued, “Clearly he needs some help to avoid what is a developing pattern of violent offending.”
Oliver King, representing Richards, acknowledged that while his client did not instigate the “unpleasant” encounter, he did resort to using a bottle as a weapon. Nonetheless, Richards expressed genuine remorse over his actions, recognizing the gravity of the situation.
Judge His Honour Niclas Parry emphasized the defendants’ inebriated state, stating that they had been “off their faces” on drink. He pointed out that Richards had struck Mr. Roberts with such force that the bottle shattered, but the judge made it clear that both defendants shared responsibility for the egregious attack.
The judge remarked on the disturbing nature of the situation, noting that Richards appeared to be enjoying the attack, calling it “almost unbelievably” that he was filming the incident for social media. While sentencing, the judge recognized the defendants’ decision to plead guilty early in the process, allowing him to reduce their sentences by a third; however, he stated that he could not suspend their sentences as there was no realistic chance of rehabilitation for either individual.
**Interview with Anna Price, Prosecutor in the Callum Evans and Thomas Richards Case**
**David Powell (DP)**: Thank you for joining us today, Anna. Can you give us a brief overview of what happened during this altercation?
**Anna Price (AP)**: Absolutely. On January 28, 2024, Callum Evans and Thomas Richards attacked Andrew Roberts and Tracey McKenzie while they were out on Wrexham High Street. The assault was unprovoked and escalated rapidly. It was particularly disturbing that Richards recorded part of the incident and shared it on social media, trivializing what was a violent act.
**DP**: That’s shocking. What do you think contributed to their behavior that night?
**AP**: Both men were heavily intoxicated, which likely played a role in their decision to resort to violence. Alcohol can impair judgment, but it doesn’t excuse such actions. The footage we presented in court made it clear just how aggressive and reckless they were.
**DP**: You mentioned CCTV footage played a significant role in the case. What did it reveal?
**AP**: The CCTV clearly showed Evans punching Mr. Roberts and then turning on Ms. McKenzie, while Richards escalated the violence with a bottle. The footage documented the entire altercation, providing undeniable evidence of their actions, which was crucial in securing their guilty plea for affray.
**DP**: How did the victims respond following the attack? Did they wish to pursue further action?
**AP**: Interestingly, despite sustaining injuries—Ms. McKenzie required hospital treatment, and Mr. Roberts received cuts to his head and hand—neither victim chose to pursue further legal action against the defendants. They were understandably shaken but expressed a wish to move on from the incident.
**DP**: The sentences imposed seem relatively short considering the nature of the violence. What’s your take on the judge’s decision?
**AP**: The ten-month sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime, but it may feel insufficient given the trauma inflicted on the victims. The judge did condemn their behavior strongly in court. We hope this incident serves as a deterrent to others and encourages responsible behavior when out in public spaces.
**DP**: Thank you, Anna, for providing these insights into such a troubling case. It’s important that these issues are discussed to raise awareness about the consequences of alcohol-fueled violence.
**AP**: Thank you for having me, David. It’s crucial to continue these conversations.
