A Long Eaton attacker remains at large after a pub brawl in Southport led to a man being stabbed and hospitalised.
George Bennett stabbed someone with a knife during the pub fight that Jacob Cleaver initiated by attacking a stranger without warning. George, of Fulwood Drive, could face life in prison due to his extensive history of violence. His accomplice, residing in Trafalgar Square, fled before sentencing.
Reece Ashall, 26, was at the Fox and Goose pub in Southport on October 18. He was speaking with Cleaver near the bar. It appeared he was either trying to calm Cleaver down or usher him away from the bar.
Nicola Daley testified that Cleaver punched Ashall forcefully in the face, causing him to fall. Cleaver then proceeded to kick and push Ashall. Following this, Bennett approached and stabbed Ashall in the back during the altercation.
Jamie Turner, 33, initially intervened by grabbing Bennett’s arm and attempting to pull Cleaver away from the victim. He then got involved and acted aggressively toward the door staff who were attempting to halt the fight.
Reece Ashall remained hospitalized for six days due to a collapsed lung, requiring three blood transfusions and a chest drain. Ashall recalled enjoying himself before Cleaver approached and, without provocation, asked him “what his problem was” before attacking him.
Bennett’s prior convictions included harming someone with intent at age 15 and committing GBH at age 14. At 16, he attacked a fellow inmate, punching and stabbing him with a makeshift pen weapon. He admitted to wounding with intent and awaits sentencing in April, pending a court-ordered psychiatric report.
Judge Cummings indicated that Bennett might receive a life sentence, a serious step considering his age. The judge emphasized the need to carefully consider all facts before making a decision.
Cleaver had nine prior convictions, including battery and public order offenses. He admitted to affray but failed to appear in court. His lawyer suspected he had fled, knowing he faced imprisonment if he attended.
Cleaver received a 14-month prison sentence in absentia, while Turner was sentenced to eight months. Judge Brian Cummings KC stated that Cleaver initiated the violence, escalating it into a serious situation.
The judge highlighted Cleaver’s extensive criminal record and emphasized that he was not dealing with bail, as Cleaver was unlawfully at large and the court would address it upon his capture.
Suzanne Payne, defending Turner, argued that Turner should not be punished for the stabbing and reminded the court that Turner had tried to pull Bennett and Cleaver away from the victim.
The judge acknowledged Turner’s attempts to help and stated that he did not start the fight. However, Turner became involved and acted aggressively toward the door staff. The judge concluded that it was a significant incident.
The judge considered Turner’s criminal record and the four months he had already spent in custody. Cleaver was also given a restraining order for three years.