Drunken Brawl in Market Square Ends with Brutal Beating
A wild fight erupted in the early hours of July 20 after a man was wrongly accused of grabbing a woman passing by. Furious onlookers took the law into their own hands, tackling and savagely beating the man inside a nearby McDonald’s.
The violence spilled out onto West Street, where the victim was thrown to the ground and pummeled with punches, kicks, and knees to the head. But CCTV footage later showed the initial sexual assault claim was completely false, confirmed by the Metropolitan Police.
Alfie Buck Identified as Ringleader of Attack
Alfie Buck, 29, from Bromley’s Riverpark Gardens, was branded the ringleader of the savage beating. At Bromley Magistrates’ Court on October 9, prosecutor Colette Hanna exposed his brutal role.
“Buck joined in the attack, punching the victim inside McDonald’s. Security ejected the group, but Buck followed outside, grabbed the victim by the hood, threw him down, then kicked and punched him in the head repeatedly,” Ms Hanna revealed. “He even encouraged others to join in.”
In a bold move, Buck snatched the victim’s phone and threw it away before storming off. The victim suffered swollen bruises, deep cuts, and bled from a wounded ear. Emergency services rushed to treat him.
Judge Suspends Jail Time but Buck Must Pay Up
Buck admitted assault by beating and theft of a mobile phone. He told the court he was under the influence of drugs and booze and said he “deeply regrets” his actions.
“I shouldn’t have played superhero and taken the law into my own hands. Next time, I’ll call the police calmly. I’ve learnt my lesson and I’m sorry,” Buck told the judge.
District Judge Sarah Turnock slammed the attack as “persistent and sustained.” She confirmed Buck kept returning to beat a victim who never threatened him and condemned him for rallying strangers to join the vicious assault.
“You weren’t involved in the original fight. It looks like you just wanted to get physical,” the judge said sharply.
Despite the viciousness, Buck’s 16-week prison sentence was suspended, considering the impact on his pregnant partner and their baby. He must stay off alcohol for 90 days and pay £250 compensation to the victim.
