Leeds licensee's protection racket case in court

A licensee of a Leeds pub has been giving evidence in court after an alleged run-in with a protection racket.

Barbara Forest, who manages the Lion and Lamb pub in the Seacroft area of the city, told the court she refused to take protection from a man who threatened to kill her.

Defendant Adrian Jorgensen, 39, of Thornfield Mews, Crossgates, Leeds, is accused of intimidating Ms Thompson so that she would pay for protection.

The case, which is still being heard at Leeds Crown Court, refers to an alleged incident that took place in February 2002.

Mr Jorgensen denies two threats to kill, and intimidation.

A spokesman for Pyramid Pubs, which owns the tenanted pub, told thePublican.com outside of the court: "If licensees are confronted by a protection racket they should immediately contact the police. We have installed CCTV on this site and other sites where historically there are issues.

"I wouldn't say protection rackets are as big a problem as they used to be. There is more money to be made from drugs."

Not in connection with the case in court, Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, said he had witnessed evidence of protection rackets.

"In certain areas it is just as bad as it was in the 1970s," he said. "If licensees are threatened they shouldn't give them any money whatsoever. They should contact the police immediately who will treat the issue confidentially and will probably set up surveillance.

"But if publicans allow it to take place then it will escalate and the gangsters will end up running the pub."

If you have been threatened by protection rackets please contact the news desk in confidence on 020 8565 4458.