County Durham pub loses licence after 'horrific attack' on customer left man fighting for life

A pub in Seaham has had its licence revoked in the aftermath of an 'horrific attack' which left a person hospitalised with life threatening injuries.

In the wake of the incident, both the police and local authorities came forward with concerns about Memory Lane's management, leading to its immediate closure.

The Durham County Council licensing committee declared that there were "clear failings" in the way the pub was run, noting an apparent lack of training among staff members. After a violent incident on April 20, the venue had actually seen its license temporarily suspended during a hearing held on April 25.

• Read more: See CCTV footage of moment driver deliberately crashes into Darlington theatre at high speed

• Keep up to date with all the latest local news from County Durham with our free newsletter

The victim was found unconscious, suffering from significant blood loss. He sustained fractures to both his eye sockets, lost three teeth, and required surgery on his jaw.

Sergeant Caroline Dickenson, representing Durham Constabulary, said although staff members called an ambulance, they failed to call the police. She further clarified: "CCTV has captured the assault in full and it shows a horrific attack on the victim who has significant injuries to his face. The victim has been punched over a dozen times to the face whilst he appears unconscious, displaying a clear intent to cause serious harm to the victim."

Unfortunately, a wrangle between the pub's owners initially impeded police officers' access to the CCTV footage from the premises. It was also stated by Durham Police that upon their arrival, all glassware had been cleared away from the scene by employees.

During a hearing on Monday, the court was presented with harrowing images of the victim's injuries while awaiting treatment in hospital. Additionally, CCTV footage capturing the assault was screened.

Emma Bird, co-owner of the establishment, expressed that prior to the incident, the pub had been free from trouble and drew an older clientele with its Motown theme.

She reaffirmed her dedication to enhancing the venue despite existing concerns, stating: "I promise that I will have full control over anything. This will not happen again under my watch and I will do everything to ensure that."

David Comb, representing the defence, remarked to the committee: "This was not a premises that was in the habit of dealing with serious violence, or particularly prepared for it. There will have been a degree of shock for the people who worked there when this spontaneous episode of very serious violence erupted."

However, the committee decided to revoke the licence after learning about disputes among the pub's management regarding the CCTV system.

Cllr David Brown, chair of the licensing committee, commented: "This incident was very serious. We've seen the footage, the photographs, and heard from the police about the consequences. Largely, that type of behaviour cannot be attributed to the licence holder. But the response has shone a light on the clear failings within this licence."

"The committee is concerned at the lack of training, incidents, and the ability to fully comply to conditions going forward. The clear issue is the licence holder having full control of the premises, and the committee cannot be assured that the licensing objectives cannot be undermined going forward."