Pub couple in hammer-gang terror
A gang threatened a couple with a claw hammer before stealing thousands of pounds from the pub where they worked.
The couple had just left JD Wetherspoon's Capital pub in Forest Hill, south London, at about 2.30am, when they were approached by seven men.
Police said one of the men showed the victims a claw hammer and told them to be quiet. The terrified couple a man aged 23 and a woman aged 21 were taken to the rear of Perry Street flats where they were threatened and forced to hand over the pub keys and alarm code.
Five of the men then raided the pub and stole cash. The other two stayed with the couple and continued to threaten them.
The five men returned and forced the victims to hand over their bank cards and PINs. The perpetrators fled when they heard the sound of an approaching police vehicle.
Police are looking for seven men aged 20 to 25. Five were black and two were white. Anyone with information can call 0208 284 8411.
Teenager convicted of manslaughter
A teenager who killed a father of three during a fight at a West Midlands pub has been convicted of manslaughter.
Matthew Thomas, 17, of Fieldfair Close, Rowley Regis, was given two-year's detention and training after being found guilty by the jury at Stafford Crown Court last week.
The court heard that Thomas had hit Harry Fletcher, 36, of Cressett Avenue, Brierley Hill, Dudley, last December following an altercation at the Royal Oak in Rowley Regis.
Thomas, who had no previous convictions, had punched Fletcher once, and the 36-year-old had fallen to the ground and cracked his head on the bitumen in the pub car park.
Mr Justice Mitting told Thomas that the attack 'occurred because of your refusal to leave [Fletcher] alone and his refusal to back off in the face of your loutish behaviour. But he said Thomas 'showed immediate, genuine remorse.
Thomas will serve one year of his sentence and then be released under supervision for another 12 months.
The judge had accepted a press application that Thomas's name should be published.
Man remanded on firearm charge
A man has been remanded in custody until September in connection with an apparent armed siege last month at Worcestershire pub the King's Head in Upton-upon-Severn.
Timothy Bayliss, 37, of New Street, Upton-upon-Severn, appeared at Worcester Crown Court last week charged with five offences including possessing a firearm and criminal damage.
Bayliss is due to re-appear at the court on 26 September.
Man banned from all bar one town pubs
A man has been banned from every pub in his home town except the one he goes to after playing football.
David Hoskin was last week given an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO) at Truro Crown Court, for a drunken rampage at the Harbour Inn in Padstow on Boxing Day.
The ASBO bans Hoskin from six pubs in Padstow. Judge Paul Darlow made an exception of the Golden Lion, which is used by football club Padstow AFC after training. But Darlow warned Hoskin that he could not drink alcohol at the pub.
Hoskin, 22, of Raleigh Road, Padstow, had earlier admitted committing criminal damage and affray at the Harbour Inn.
The court heard he was seen emerging from the pub toilets where pipes had been ripped out. Hoskin was abusive to the female licensee and threw a glass at the male and female hosts, which struck the man on the arm, cutting his elbow.
Hoskin also threw an advertising sign through a window, which hit two men, causing them cuts and bruises.
The court heard that Hoskin had previous convictions for violent behaviour. He was ordered to do 100 hours community work, pay £597 compensation and £600 prosecution costs.
Police suspect pub fire was arson
Police and fire investigators believe that a fire at a South Wales pub may have been arson.
The blaze at the Wellington in Maesteg on the night of Wednesday 27 July damaged the bar areas. Police are trying to trace a man spotted running away from the pub.
