'I might change my mind': Judge issues warning as thugs escape jail for Castleford street fight
A trio of thugs have escaped jail following a violent street fight in Castleford.
Scott Abbott, Aaron West and Martin Longstaffe all received suspended sentences at Leeds Crown Court after pleading guilty to charges of affray.
CCTV played to the court showed Abbott and West race cross the road to confront Longstaffe, who was punched to the floor, as horrified members of the public watched on in terror as the violent altercation broke out outside a Sainsbury's local on Smawthorne Lane, Castleford, on March 26 2025.
Getting to his feet, the footage showed Longstaffe grab a glass bottle from the ground, striking Abbott, before West retaliated by throwing bricks at Longstaffe who suffered a “number of a serious injuries” as a result of the incident.
Despite suffering injuries, Longstaffe can be seen pursuing his attackers back across the road where the affray continued. West also suffered injuries during the incident, although did not seek medical attention, the court heard. A full explanation as to the initial cause of the incident was not provided to the court.
In mitigation for Scott Abbott, who has 43 previous convictions for over 70 offences, Mr Luxford told the court how his client was a “man with many demons” and was now receiving help for long-running addiction issues.
Representing Aaron West, Mr Hemley told the court how his client was “not a man who will do this again,” having last been in trouble with in law in 2004. The 44-year-old has 11 prior convictions for 20 offences.
Defence counsel for Martin Longstaffe, conceded that while his client was a victim of the initial attack that he “acted inappropriately” by going back across the road to encourage a further altercation and “could have walked away.” He has 20 previous convictions for 40 offences, including the assault of an emergency worker.
Sentencing the trio, Judge Tahir Khan KC warned them that after repeated outbursts they must “stay quiet and calm” or “I might change my mind.” Longstaffe had previously annoyed Judge Khan KC by arriving late to court.
He sentenced both Abbott and West to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, and 25 rehabilitation activity days. Abbott was also given a six-month drug rehabilitation order.
Longstaffe, whose existing suspended sentencing was described as an “aggravating factor,” was sentenced to 24 months in prison, suspended for two years, and 30 rehabilitation activity days. He was also given a nine-month drug rehabilitation order.