Family barbecue in Grimsby descended into chaos after gang attack

MEMBERS of a family armed themselves with a knuckleduster, baseball bat and a shovel to give a one-time "brother" a beating, a court heard.

Kirk Groves's relationship with Lisa Ardito, the mother of his child, had broken down, Grimsby Crown Court was told.

Her brothers, Liam Ardito and Gianni Ardito, and his partner Tara Wilson and a friend, Gary Cannon, turned up at Mr Groves's family home with weapons to beat him up.

The four were jailed after admitting assault causing actual bodily harm.

Sentencing the gang, Judge David Tremberg said: "Lisa Ardito and Kirk Groves had been partners and had a child between them. Their fractious relationship broke down.

"On the day in question, there had been some hostile messages between the two. That seemed to be enough for you to take the law into your own hands."

Prosecuting, Gordon Stables said the gang went to the home of Mr Groves, in Worlaby Road, Grimsby, on May 7 last year, even though they knew there were children and innocent people there at a barbecue.

Carl Groves, Kirk's father, was struck on the head with the spade by Liam Ardito.

He was also kicked in the face by Wilson, who is pregnant, and suffered two broken ribs and cuts and bruises.

Brian Dillon, a guest at the party, was hit in the face with a knuckleduster by Cannon and knocked unconscious.

Deborah Groves was also struck in the face as she attempted to shield her son, and Kirk Groves was punched and kicked.

The gang fled when they heard the police had been called.

When police arrested Liam Ardito, they found a total of 32 cannabis plants in his home, with an estimated street value of £3,600.

A further eight plants were found at Gianni Ardito's and Wilson's home, with a street value of £1,900.

Judge Tremberg continued: "This was classic joint enterprise. You burst through the garden gates and assaulted four of those in the garden – three of whom had nothing to do with your grudge."

He sentenced Liam Ardito, 32, of Newbury Avenue, Grimsby, to eight months for possessing an offensive weapon, eight months for each of the four assault offences and four months for cultivating cannabis. The assault and the weapon sentences will run concurrently.

Gianni Ardito, 35, of Allington Drive, Grimsby received a 34 month sentence.

Cannon, 27, of Alfred Bannister Mews, received a total of 36 months and Wilson, 29 of Allington Drive, Grimsby, received a total of 18 months.

The Ardito brothers also admitted producing cannabis and Wilson admitted allowing her premises to be used for the cultivation of cannabis.

Representing Liam Ardito, Andrew Bailey said it was fortunate there were no serious and lasting injuries caused.

For Gianni Ardito, Charlotte Baines said her client bitterly regretted his actions.

For Cannon, Richard Butters said his client's actions were out of character.

And for Wilson, Tom Ledden said his client's greatest punishment will be being separated from her two children.

He told the court she was pregnant.

He said: "Her motivation was love and loyalty to her partner."

All four defendants were given two-year restriction orders banning them from specified areas of Grimsby to avoid contact with the complainants.

The judge also agreed a timetable for a proceeds of crime hearing to take place at a late date against the two Ardito brothers and Wilson.