Pub workers sprayed in face by robber

Two pub workers were sprayed in the face with a CS gas-type substance then robbed while they were on their way to deposit the pub's takings at a bank.

The man and woman were leaving the Litten Tree in Rugby in the early afternoon last Tuesday when a man approached and sprayed them in the face. The male pub worker chased the attacker, but he escaped with a dark sports bag containing the cash.

Both workers needed hospital treatment.

The attacker is believed to be in his mid-20s and was wearing jeans, a black jacket and a baseball cap. Police say he may have been carrying a black rucksack.

Anyone with information is urged to call Rugby CID on 01788 541111.

Armed raider is jailed for six years

A man who used an imitation antique musket gun to hold up a West Cumbrian pub has been jailed for six years.

Joseph Sowerby, 39, walked into the Waverley Hotel in Workington and pointed the gun at 36-year-old barmaid Karen Burdon, Carlisle Crown Court heard last week.

Dick Binstead, prosecuting, said the barmaid had no idea that the gun was a replica and she thought she was goingto be shot. She was so traumatised that she gave upher job.

Sowerby felt so guilty that he phoned the police to tell them what he had done.

He admitted charges of robbery and possessing an imitation firearm.

Greg Hoare, mitigating, said Sowerby's actions were motivated by alcohol.

He had started drinking after he had a row with his girlfriend, the court heard.

Man to appear in court after incident

A man is due to appear at Northampton Magistrates Court today (Thursday) after being charged in connection with an incident in which an unknown substance was released in a pub.

The unnamed 43-year-old was arrested and bailed following the incident at the Halfway House in Harborough Road, Northampton, on 24 September.

He is being charged with one count of common assault and one of possessing a prohibited weapon.

Police bail three in shooting probe

Three people arrested in connection with a shooting at a Manchester pub have been released on police bail.

A 41-year-old man from Old Trafford, a 43-year-old man from Moss Side and a 33-year-old woman from Baguley have been bailed for three months in connection with the incident.

A 46-year-old man was shot in the stomach at the Sedge Lynn pub on Manchester Road, Chorlton, at around 8.50pm on Saturday 13 November. He is in a stable condition in hospital.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call West Didsbury Police Station on 0161 856 6153.

Trade in anti drink-spiking campaigns

Bottle stoppers were handed out to drinkers at pubs in Leeds on Wednesday last week as part of an anti-drink spiking campaign in the city.

Bar staff were also briefed on how to spot a drink that had been tampered with, and literature featuring information on drink spiking was given to punters.

It follows the launch of a poster campaign to highlight the risks of drink spiking as the festive season approaches.

Pubs and clubs in Avon and Somerset are taking part in a similar campaign.

Posters warning of the dangers of spiking are going up at licensed venues in the region, and credit card-sized information leaflets are also being handed out at pubs and clubs.

The campaign is based on the design of a joker playing card, with the slogan "drink spiking is no joke". Two radio ads will be aired to support the message.

The initiative was launched at the Walkabout Bar on Corn Street, Bristol, on Friday last week.