Beer garden row at Telford pub led to knife attack

Kevin Wishart lashed out at Steven Hodgetts with a Stanley knife after the pair started arguing in the beer garden at the Hare and Hounds pub in Holyhead Road, Oakengates, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told.

The knife slashed Mr Hodgetts' neck and the victim needed six stitches for the two-inch gash.

Wishart, 47, of Hollyhurst Road, Wrockwardine Wood, Telford, admitted wounding at a previous court hearing and appeared yesterday to be sentenced.

Mr Marc Davies, prosecuting, said: "On July 24 last year, Steven Hodgetts and the defendant had been in the same pub. The night began with no difficulties, but it seems the mood changed for some reason.

"Mr Hodgetts alerted the landlord and an off duty police officer of the risk that the defendant might cause some trouble. It seems the pair did know each other and had some difficulties in the past.

"He (Wishart) went outside and produced a Stanley knife from his pocket, saying to the landlord: 'I am going to do him, whether its here or down the road'.

"The victim was also outside, and an argument began between the two. Wishart put the Stanley knife back in his pocket, telling Mr Hodgetts to get back inside the pub.

"There were further words exchanged between Mr Hodgetts and Mr Wishart.

"It is at this point that the defendant produces the knife again and slashes out with it towards the victim, catching Mr Hodgetts' neck. The victim needed six stitches for a two-inch cut.

"The defendant left the scene, chased by Mr Hodgetts, who after a short while caught him and, it has to be conceded, gave him a bit of a beating. The knife and mobile phone found in pool of blood further down the road.

"He was arrested and interviewed, but denied having a knife."

Mr Timothy Sapwell, for Wishart, admitted the offence was worthy of a custodial sentence. But he said it should be suspended because his client had already suffered a form of "rough justice" which followed on from two previous beatings handed out by the same man.

Judge Jim Tindal sentenced Wishart to 12 months in prison – but opted to suspend the jail term for two years. It means if he commits no further offences during that period he will escape punishment for the assault.

Wishart was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.