A judge questioned what hope there was for world peace when a dispute between parents descended into violence – in front of their children.

Recorder John Hardy KC lambasted the ‘disgraceful scenes’ he had seen on mobile phone footage of the bust-up in Flaxfield Road, Blackbird Leys, last August.

In it, Matthew Bowles could be seen landing a blow on his victim – the father of another child – before a topless youth rained down kicks on the man.

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In the background, a young male voice was heard repeating the slang slur ‘bumbaclart’. Another man, apparently uninvolved in the violence, was seemingly naked from the waist up but for a black balaclava.

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Sentencing 41-year-old Bowles, Recorder Hardy said: “A disgraceful example was set by a number of people to young children. Heaven knows how young children nowadays are going to be brought up when parents behave like that in front of them.”

He told the court: “It’s absolutely shocking to see that kind of behaviour, especially in front of young children.

“If grown adults can’t resolve these matters in a civilised fashion without resorting to that kind of conduct, the prospects for peace across the world are limited indeed.”

That drew the reply from Dana Bilan, defending: "No doubt Mr Bowles hears that, your honour, as I do." 

The judge said that, from the video footage, ‘seven or eight’ people should have been charged with violent disorder and their cases sent to the crown court before they ‘pleaded guilty to affray’.

Oxford Mail: Matthew Bowles following the hearing at Oxford Crown Court Picture: Oxford Mail

Violent disorder carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, while the top punishment for affray is three years.

As it was, Bowles, of Balfour Road, Oxford, had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to common assault as an alternative to the charge of causing actual bodily harm that was laid when he first appeared before the magistrates.

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On Wednesday (May 31), the crown court heard the brawl followed an argument between children about a pair of trainers.

Bowles’ victim and the man’s wife arrived at Gillians Park to stop one girl from leaving. That prompted the angry confrontation that was caught on camera.

Prosecutors alleged that the defendant was holding a brick in his hand. Ms Bilan, defending, said her client had no recollection of handling a brick but believed he had his mobile phone with him.

In mitigation, the barrister said Bowles was working at a concert venue in Oxford, was a family man and had pledged to tackle his cannabis addiction.

Recorder Hardy imposed a 12 month community order with 40 hours of unpaid work and a drug rehabilitation requirement.

Bowles must pay £150 in compensation and £150 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.