FORMER Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher's son and legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr's grandson recently appeared in court over an alleged late-night brawl at a Tesco store in which an Indian staff was racially abused.
Gene Appleton Gallagher, 18, Sonny Starkey, 19, and their friend Noah Ponte, 19, denied charges of “unlawful violence towards another”, causing someone “present at the scene to fear for his personal safety” and “racially aggravated common assault”.
Gene Gallagher, the youngest son of Liam and All Saints singer Nicole Appleton, arrived at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court in London with his uncle, Liam Howlett of the Prodigy. Starkey was accompanied by his father Jason, who is legendary drummer Starr’s son.
The court was told that Gallagher and Starkey were allegedly “windmilling” down the aisle at the Indian shop worker, Shium Patel, who tried to prevent them from leaving without paying for beer in May last year.
An IMG model, Ponte, who was charged with racially aggravated common assault, allegedly snapped at the worker: “You bloody Indians. Go back to where you came from. You're not wanted here.”
The altercation started as one among the trio could not buy beer as it was past 11pm, the court was told.
“On Friday 17, May, at around midnight, police received a call from Tesco Express with a report that a group of males were fighting with staff at the location,” said Prosecutor Adeal Mahmood.
“On arrival, there was a large group congregating outside and inside the store. They had detained Mr Starkey and Mr Gallagher,” he elaborated.
“Mr Ponte was outside the pub opposite the store. On seeing police, Mr Ponte walked away heading towards Hampstead Underground station. All of the suspects were detained by officers and identified as being part of the fight.
“On speaking with the staff they confirmed that they had been inside the store and one of them tried to purchase a can of alcohol but it wouldn’t scan because Tesco do not sell alcohol after 11pm.
“When challenged, Mr Ponte attempted to leave the store with the alcohol. When staff intervened, they started to fight with the staff causing cuts on the member of staff.
“Mr Shium Patel did not have any lasting injuries. CCTV captures Mr Starkey and Mr Gallagher fighting, windmilling down the store aisle.”
The three teenagers from Hampstead, who had denied charges, requested a crown court trial. They were released on unconditional bail, and their next hearing would be at Wood Green crown court.
“If you were late or didn’t turn up, you could be committing a separate offence,” said chairwoman of the magistrates, Hilary Arnold.
