Reality TV star Paddy Doherty, who found fame on shows like My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and Celebrity Big Brother, has had his two front teeth knocked out during a fight at a funeral for an eighteen month old child that died at a travellers site in Runcorn last week. The 56-year-old was said to be unwelcome at the service, due to ongoing animosity between the Doherty’s and the Joyce family – also in attendance.
According to witnesses, Doherty spat at a pall-bearer during the funeral, which took place on Tuesday, and long-time rival Johnny Joyce took offence to the act, resulting in a brawl that left mourners hiding behind gravestones and a police helicopter hovering over the cemetery. No formal complaints or arrests were made at the scene, but a probe into the incident has been launched.
John Joyce, father of Johnny Joyce, told Manchester Evening News that Paddy Doherty had attended the funeral without an invite ‘even though he knew he was not welcome.’ He added that his behaviour was ‘disgusting’ and said that ‘a few lads were injured’ as a result of the fighting; including his own son knocking Doherty’s front teeth out. Joyce also said Doherty made a swift exit after the brawl started and ‘you couldn’t see him for dust.’
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that they would like to speak to Mr Doherty ‘as a witness’ to the event.
