Six men accused of being involved in a mass armed brawl which left people in a critical condition have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

Four men from Brighton and Hove, one man from Oldham and another from Boston, Lincolnshire, have pleaded not guilty to the charge of violent disorder at a plea hearing at Lewes Crown Court sitting at Brighton yesterday.

It is alleged the six men used or threatened unlawful violence on April 2 in Portslade.

Emergency services cordoned off the pavement outside a barber shop in Boundary Road, Portslade that afternoon.

Sussex Police said three men were taken to hospital with two of the men in a critical condition.

Two of the men in court, Sarbast Ibrahami and Sardam Qadir, are accused of having a plank of wood as an offensive weapon in Franklin Road, Portslade. They have pleaded not guilty.

Kozheen Banaee, charged with having a blade in the same road, has also pleaded not guilty.

The full details of the defendants and their charges are:

  • Kozheen Banaee, 23, of Montpelier Road has pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, possession of an offensive weapon and grievous bodily harm with intent. He has been remanded in custody.
  • Hogr Banaee, 23, of Roman Road in Hove, has pleaded not guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon and has been remanded in custody.
  • Kosar Banaee, 19, of Elm Grove has pleaded not guilty to violent disorder.
  • Ali Husseini, 19, of Dyke Road, Brighton, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of violent disorder
  • Sardam Qadir, 30 of Blacksail Walk, Oldham, has pleaded not guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.
  • Sarbast Ibrahim, 24, of Ingram Road, Boston, has pleaded not guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.

A further defendant, Ayob Mohammed, 20, of Western Road, Brighton, charged with violent disorder, will enter a plea on May 30.

Prosecutor Helen Douglass-Dixon said she expected the trial, set for this November 25, to last three weeks.

Judge Jeremy Gold KC told the defendants: “The court will make enquiries to see if it can be dealt with earlier than that at another court in the South East.

“It is very important that you all cooperate with your solicitors in the preparation of the case.

“You must all attend your trial in November. Failing to attend will be a separate offence punishable by either a fine or imprisonment.

“The two of you in custody will remain in custody until further order.”

Kosar Banaee, Husseini, Qadir and Ibraham have all been bailed with strict conditions.