Home   Canterbury   News   Article

Mum jailed for drunken rage fight at McDonald’s

A trainee beautician broke a young woman’s elbow during a violent bust-up over queue-jumping at McDonald’s.

Drunken mum Emily Gibbs, 23, had been on a night out with friends in January, when tempers flared at the fast-food outlet in St George’s Street, Canterbury.

The “burger rage” incident was caught on CCTV and shown to a judge at Canterbury Crown Court.

Emily Gibbs leaving Canterbury Crown Court
Emily Gibbs leaving Canterbury Crown Court

Gibbs, of Edward Vinson Drive, Faversham, has now been jailed for nine months for the attacks, which left two sisters injured – one with a broken elbow.

After her arrest, Gibbs told police: “I’m as guilty as sin. Drinking just sends me into someone I don’t even know who I am.”

Prosecutor Steven Attridge told how the attacks happened during the early hours when Gibbs and her pals arrived for burgers.

He said there was an argument about one of Gibbs’s group pushing into the queue and a fight started at 2am.

It was then that Gibbs grabbed victim Morgan Fenning, who had been out in Canterbury with her sister and their friends.

Morgan was assaulted by another woman, and her sister, Madeleine, then went to her aid, Mr Attridge said.

“It was then that Gibbs grabbed Madeleine by her hair pulling her backwards, punching her and then kicking Morgan while she was on the floor.

McDonald's in Canterbury city centre
McDonald's in Canterbury city centre

“Fights then broke out between multiple parties as Madeleine pulled Gibbs from her sister and then fell to the ground with Gibbs astride her, still punching her about the head and body until they were separated.”

He added that Morgan had a fractured elbow and she and her sister suffered bruising to their face, arms and legs.

“That’s me going for it . . . and still going for it. I have a really bad temper. I wasn’t in control" - Emily Gibbs to police

Gibbs was questioned by police and told officers: “One minute I was queueing for a burger and the next minute I’m having a scrap”.

After being shown the video by police, she said: “That’s me going for it . . . and still going for it. I have a really bad temper. I wasn’t in control.”

After pleading guilty to two assaults at an earlier hearing, sentencing was adjourned so she could attend an interview with probation, but she instead went to a music festival.

Judge Simon James jailed Gibbs for nine months, telling her: “That night you were part of a group, one of whom wasn’t willing to queue like everyone else.

“The incident happened in a crowded restaurant and seems to have sparked a wider disorder. “

He said Gibbs suffered from ADHD but had refused treatment and had “tested the patience of the court once too often”.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More