Two men found guilty of involvement in large scale fight at sporting event

Two men have been found guilty after taking part in a large scale fight involving machetes and guns at a sporting event in Derby.

A number of people were injured when violence broke out between two groups who attended a Kabaddi tournament in Alvaston last summer (2023).

Police were called to the scene, off Elvaston Lane, just before 4pm on Sunday 20 August after reports of shots being fired and people fighting with weapons.

The fight had been pre-planned with a group meeting in Brunswick Street, Derby, beforehand.

Parminder Singh was one of those who attended the pre-meeting and was captured on drone footage wearing a face covering and with his hood up. He was also seen to move towards a hedge between two fields at the scene, with police later locating a shoulder bag in the area which contained a loaded semi-automatic pistol.

His DNA was found on both the pistol and the bag. He was hit by a bullet in the groin during the incident and had to have it removed during surgery at hospital.  The 25-year-old, of the West Midlands, has been convicted of violent disorder and possession of a firearm.

Malkeet Singh was part of the other group, and was also involved with the violence before he was then assaulted and suffered injuries to his head. The 24-year-old, of Court Road, Wolverhampton, has been convicted of violent disorder.

Five other people have already pleaded guilty to their involvement in the disorder. They are:

• Karamjit Singh, 36, of Shakespeare Street, Derby – possession of a bladed article and violent disorder.
• Baljit Singh, 33, of Lawfred Avenue, Wolverhampton – possession of a bladed article and violent disorder
• Hardev Uppal, 34, of Sycamore Road, Tipton – possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and wounding
• Jagjit Singh, 31, of Bolton Road, Wolverhampton – possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence
• Doodhnath Tripathi, 30, of Manor Avenue, Hounslow – violent disorder and wounding.

All seven men will be sentenced at Derby Crown Court at a later date.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: “What should have been a pleasant day out for people attending a sporting event turned into a huge violent disorder in which multiple people were injured.

“We know that this incident and the subsequent police investigation had a huge impact on people living in the area as well as those spectators who had attended and we are very grateful to all who have helped with our enquiries.”

Detective Constable Stevie Barker, who led the investigation, added: “Hundreds of officers have assisted with this investigation , not just from Derbyshire, but across the country, and I would like to thank them for their work to assist with bringing justice for such a huge disorder.

“Malkeet Singh and Parminder Singh showed a blatant disregard for the safety of others during this event so I am pleased they have now been convicted for their part in this very disturbing incident.”

Superintendent Rebecca Webster, Head of Operations for South Division, said: “We know that the vast majority of people who attended this event did so with good intentions to enjoy a fun family day out.

“Sadly this was spoiled when a number of people - many of whom travelled from across the country – arrived with the intention of causing serious harm and disorder to others.

“This was clearly a very distressing and upsetting incident for all those present on the day and we’d like to thank them for their co-operation throughout this investigation, as well as praise the local community for their support in the days and weeks that followed as we know it did have a significant ongoing impact on them.”