Stephen Mooney and Anna Midgley, instructed by Bobbetts Mackan Solicitors, successfully defended Ryan Hale and Ryan Ali, who were jointly charged with Ben Stokes in a charge of affray at Bristol Crown Court. Both Mr Hale and Mr Ali were alleged by the prosecution to have armed themselves with weapons during the course of the incident, and their involvement was captured on film. Mr Hale was acquitted at half time upon the Recorder of Bristol’s direction, Mr Ali was unanimously acquitted by the jury. Ben Stokes, who had suggested during his evidence that he was attacked by the pair and that they were perpetrating homophobic abuse, was also acquitted of affray.