Boaters in Nottingham said a fight on the water that left a man with a fracture to his face was a "one off". And members of wider boating community praised the camaraderie, saying it was rare for boaters to fight among themselves.
It comes after a fight between two men who were sat on their boats at Trent Bridge. The pair threw punches at one another and had a history of mooring arguments between them.
Nottingham Crown Court was told on Wednesday (March 30) that Neil Brice, who had been abused, got the better of his victim and repeatedly punched him on the ground, causing a fracture in his face on July 30, 2020. It left the injured man with depression and anxiety, and led him to make changes to his life.
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Brice, 55, a seasonal ice cream seller, of Lynncroft, Eastwood, was sentenced for wounding his victim. He was given a nine month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and 150 hours of unpaid work.
But other boaters moored near Trent Bridge said life on the water was not at all violent, saying boaters were like "comrades". Grand Williams, who has been on the water for years, said: "It was just a one off. They have been arguing for a few years."
The 60-year-old said there were enough moorings in Nottingham, and that he'd never had arguments with other boaters. "The ones who live on boats are usually people who like to be isolated. But this is not to say that we are not friendly with each other."
He went on and said: "There are enough moorings in Nottingham. I see many that are not being used. It is not busy like London." Mr Williams, who works in IT, explained boaters used social media groups where they asked for or offered help.
"We let each other know when there is a danger. It is like a very small community. We do not bother each other but we are there when someone needs help or if there is a dangerous situation that could affect the wider community.
"It is usually the other people, especially youngsters, who attack boaters or steal from them. But boaters do not fight among themselves."
He was speaking from his large boat by Trent Bridge, while smoking a cigarette, and said: "We are like comrades. And, like in any other community, there will be fights between neighbours. But these are very rare."
Keith Smith, another boater in the area, added: "There are different types of moorings, and for some of them you have to pay. Now some get annoyed if you take their place. You also have to move your boat every few days and some people may not move it further enough."
The 64-year-old, who moved on a boat six years ago, still chooses to spend the colder winter season in a house. He added: "This incident was no different to an argument that some neighbours may have over parking spaces."
Frances Johnson, a nurse who recently moved to area, said she was shocked to hear about the incident. She added: "This is such a nice and quiet area. It is lovely for a walk when it is sunny."
She was walking her dog and added: "It is a peaceful area. I did not know that boaters had problems among themselves. Hopefully it is a one off."
The 62-year-old said: "I really like the boats here. I think they bring something different to the area." In court Brice pleaded guilty to his charge.
