‘Disgraceful’ attack in Earby pub

11:18am Wednesday 3rd September 2008

TWO yobs who beat up a man who tried to help the lady licencee of a pub eject them have both walked free from court.

Victim Gerald Connor had ended up unconscious after he was set upon by Gareth Taylor, 21, and David Baker, 20, after he intervened at the Station Hotel, Earby, in March.

Both defendants were barred from the premises, should not have been there at all and had been asked to leave, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The court was told how Mr Connor was punched by Taylor and Baker, who were said to have thought they were under threat.

He then was hit “grat-uitously” whilst he lay on the ground and the pair then fled.

Taylor, of Colne Road, Sough, Barnoldswick, and Baker, then living in Earby, but now of Beechcroft View, Cottingley, Leeds, both admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Taylor also pleaded guilty to police obstruction. Both were given 16 weeks in jail, suspended for 18 months with £250 compensation and £200 costs.

Taylor must also do 100 hours unpaid work and was also fined £100.

Baker received 18 months supervision and must complete the Controlling Anger And Learning To Manage It programme.

Sentencing, Recorder John Jones, QC, who had seen CCTV coverage of the melee, slammed the defendants’ conduct as disgraceful, even on their own accounts and described it as “concerted violence” in a pub.