Hunt for gang after licensee is stabbed

A Manchester licensee had a knife plunged six inches into his back after going to the aid of one of his customers who thought he was going to be mugged by a gang.

James Hopkins, licensee of the Cavendish pub in Cavendish Street, Hulme, went to help one of his customers outside the pub on the night of 7 December after he heard knocking at the window.

The group harassing the customer left but returned about an hour and a half later. They threatened Hopkins and pub manager Steve Bennett with baseball bats and knives. A scuffle broke out and Hopkins was stabbed.

Hopkins, a former soldier, had the knife removed in a delicate operation at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Bennett told the Morning Advertiser: "James is recovering in hospital but has still not recovered the feeling in his legs and toes."

The men were all Asian and were wearing dark, hooded tops and dark clothing. Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 0161 856 4240 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Security guard smashed up pub kitchen

A security guard broke into the Prestleigh Inn in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, and smashed up kitchen appliances before denting the manager's Honda Civic outside.

Jamie Brown, 20, from Burnley, Lancashire, was ordered to carry out 180 hours community service and pay £300 compensation after admitting trespass and damage charges at Frome Magistrates Court.

The court heard that Brown was staying at the pub while working at the Royal Bath & West Showground. On the night of 18 September, he drank eight cans of beer, three pints of beer and half a litre of spirits before breaking into the pub.

Brown said he had no clear recollection of the events and believed his drinks might have been spiked.

Manslaughter appeal is quashed

A man jailed for manslaughter after he burnt down his pub in Canterbury, Kent, has had his appeal quashed.

Keith Willoughby, 54, of Wincheap, was charged with the manslaughter of taxi driver Derek Drury and sentenced to 12 years in jail in April. Drury died in an explosion when the two men had set fire to the Old Locomotive pub in August 2002 in order to clear Willoughby's debts of £250,000.

Judges at the London Criminal Appeal Court said the conviction was safe but that it would have been preferable if the case had centred on death caused by an unlawful act.

Father-of-two faces arson charges

A man facing charges of arson has had his case adjourned.

David William Horne, 39, of Randall Close, Bushby, Leicestershire, is charged with arson at the Rose & Crown in Main Street, Thurnby, and endangering the lives of licensees John and Gail Frearson on 30 November.

The father-of-two is also charged with making a threat to cause damage the previous day.

Horne appeared at Leicester Crown Court via video link from prison where he was being held on remand. No pleas were entered and the case was adjourned until 24 February.

Man accused of wounding with intent

Police have arrested and charged a 31-year-old Derby man with wounding with intent after an incident at an Oakwood pub.

A 34-year-old man suffered a fractured skull in the Oak & Acorn pub in Oakwood, and is in intensive care at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham. Police believe a pool ball may have been involved in the incident.

Pubwatch bans 30 from all local pubs

Workington Pubwatch has barred 30 individuals from all pubs in the area.

The bans range from one month to life and details of those banned, plus their photos, have been circulated to licensees.

Life bans were slapped on those who had committed armed robbery, while other offences included disorder, violence, drugs and racially motivated crimes.

Five others have been sent letters warning them of their conduct.