As the Cortesi brothers reached adulthood, they became involved in
protection racketeering of
gamblers and
bookmakers. They were close to criminals in the English Italian Sabini family. 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. In 1922, the rivalry culminated in a confrontation at the Fratellanza Social Club at 23 Great Bath Street, Clerkenwell. On 20 November, Darby and Harry Sabini arrived at the club, probably to talk peace. Three women, including Louisa Doralli, Darby's goddaughter, occupied a table, and the only others present were the four Cortesi brothers and Alexander Tomaso. Words were exchanged and tempers boiled over. Paul Cortesi threw a cup of hot coffee in the face of Harry Sabini and they started to fight. The Cortesis were armed with revolvers, and Gus tried to shoot Darby Sabini, but his hand was knocked aside by Doralli. The bullet went through a window, but Darby was knocked down when Tomaso hit him with a bottle. Doralli then jumped in front of Harry Sabini to prevent Enrico Cortesi from shooting him. Harry pushed Doralli away, allowing himself to be shot in the stomach. When police officers later attempted to arrest the Cortesi brothers at their homes, a large mob interfered. However, the Cortesi brothers later surrendered. Gus and Enrico Cortesi were jailed for three years for
attempted murder. 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. == Death ==