County Durham man admits assault in late night pub melee

Not only did Liam Quinnin attack another customer in a melee at The Moorcock, in Peterlee, late on July 3 last year, but in the early hours the following morning he also assaulted a police officer who was escorting him during a hospital visit to tend to his own injuries arising from the original incident.

Appearing at a Durham Crown Court plea hearing, the 26-year-old defendant, of Fourth Street, Horden, admitted a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm, relating to the pub incident, and assaulting an emergency worker, arising from the attack on the constable at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Read more: Jailing of man for prolonged attack among cases sentenced at Durham Crown Court in recent days

Quinnin is said to have punched, kicked and stamped on the other man during a confrontation at the Moorcock, causing a suspected fracture of the forehead and some internal bleeding, leading him to spend a week in hospital.

Brian Mark, for the defendant, said he had character letters from his employer and his housing association landlords, pointing out that he has been, “a good tenant”.

Judge James Adkin said, however, that he would not pass sentence until he has seen an updated statement from the victim of the assault, as to the long-term impact.

He also asked the Probation Service to prepare a report into the defendant's background before the sentencing hearing.

Addressing Quinnin, Judge Adkin told him: “It’s a bad case, but you have now pleaded guilty to the two charges you face.

“I would like to see something about your background and home circumstances and I need a statement from the complainant about the impact this has had on him.

Read more: Stockton man's phone threats to harm people at pub were considered, 'a cry for help'

“Please don’t think I have decided what the sentence will be. You are very much at risk of a prison sentence.”

He bailed the defendant to return for sentence at the court on Friday August 26.

Read next:

•                Injured woman found outside Shildon pub wearing pyjamas
•                Horden pub assault victim still suffering discomfort from injuries, more than a year since incident
•                Victim suffered broken nose in attack at Darlington pub

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here