Mark and Jason Joyce, twin brothers from a travelling community in Birmingham, have been sentenced to over five years in prison following a violent gang attack on a home and a subsequent series of criminal offences. The brothers were previously spared immediate jail time in 2024 despite their involvement in an assault at Hollywood Bowl, partly due to delays in their sentencing and their age at the time. However, they failed to adhere to the conditions of their suspended sentences, leading to new charges and convictions.
On 25 February this year, the Joyces were among six individuals who launched a terrifying raid on a residence on Rotton Park Road, Edgbaston, at around 11:30pm. CCTV and doorbell footage show Mark Joyce aggressively attacking the front door with an axe, followed by Jason wielding a similar weapon to smash the home’s front window multiple times. A third member brandished a shotgun, which was discharged into the property during the attack. There were two adults and two children inside at the time, although the reasons for the assault remain unknown.
Recorder Ben Mills, presiding at Birmingham Crown Court on 11 September, described the incident as “a horrifying, premeditated display of armed violence and intimidation on an ordinary Birmingham street in the middle of the night.” He emphasised the lack of concern the brothers showed for the safety of the occupants or the wider community.
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Following their prior suspended sentences handed down in May 2024 related to the Hollywood Bowl incident, the brothers' criminal activity continued. Jason Joyce embarked on a shoplifting spree across multiple supermarkets including Tesco, Morrisons, and Asda, committing approximately 30 thefts over six months. Many of these crimes involved his father, Francis Joyce, who was separately imprisoned for his involvement.
Jason was also convicted of dangerous driving stemming from a police pursuit in June 2023, during which he ran red lights, drove on the wrong side of the road, and caused a collision before being apprehended with the aid of a Taser.
Meanwhile, Mark was convicted of burglary after breaking into an 85-year-old man’s home in the early hours of 30 November 2023. He gained entry by smashing a window, ransacked the property, entered the victim’s bedroom, and fled upon being challenged, taking only an old mobile phone.
Mark Joyce pleaded guilty to charges including violent disorder, possession of an offensive weapon, burglary, and breaching a suspended sentence. Jason admitted to violent disorder, possession of an offensive weapon, multiple counts of theft, dangerous driving, and breaching a suspended sentence.
Recorder Mills condemned their failure to take the earlier chance afforded to them, stating, “You were given a chance then (in 2024) to turn your young lives around with the assistance of probation. You failed to engage and, in fact, your criminal conduct got much worse.”
Both brothers received sentences of five years and two months, with time already served in custody counting towards this.
Defence counsel highlighted the challenging backgrounds of the brothers, including a family history marked by domestic abuse, substance misuse, and absence of positive role models. Jason Joyce had previously been illiterate but has since pursued education programmes while in custody. Mark has similarly used his time in prison productively.
Ending the hearing, Recorder Mills expressed cautious optimism: “I am encouraged by what I have heard. There’s hope for both of you. You will have to find the strength within yourself to pull yourselves together.” He noted that although the brothers were not currently deemed “dangerous offenders,” continued criminal behaviour upon release could lead to more severe consequences.