The Cortesi brothers were four siblings of Italian descent who became notorious crime figures in London during the first decades of the 20th century, along with their primary lieutenant, Alexander Tomaso, otherwise known as Sandy Rice.

However, the two families became rivals because the Cortesi brothers believed they were being denied a fair share of the proceeds from bookmaking and West End gambling clubs.

Three women, including Louisa Doralli, Darby's goddaughter, occupied a table, and the only others present were the four Cortesi brothers and Alexander Tomaso.

Paul Cortesi threw a cup of hot coffee in the face of Harry Sabini and they started to fight.

George and Paul Cortesi and Tomaso were found not guilty of assault and discharged with the judge comparing the case to the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets.