Man jailed for assaulting landlord of Dewsbury’s Black Bull pub

Blake Sonny Johnson pulled a knife on Ian Murray in the Black Bull, slashing his clothes and cutting his head.

The 24-year-old also said he wanted to “take a copper down” while locked in police cells.

Leeds Crown Court heard yesterday (Monday) that Johnson had already been barred from pub in Market Place, but arranged to meet his girlfriend there on the night of December 28.

A member of staff sent a text to Mr Murray, who was at another of his premises, when she saw Johnson inside.

Prosecutor Christopher Jackson said he was showing off in front of his girlfriend.

When Mr Murray and another manager arrived, Johnson was told to leave.

But he pulled out a knife and attacked Mr Murray.

Mr Jackson said others had become involved in the incident.

Johnson left before police arrived but was stopped shortly afterwards in Green Lane.

He had no knife on him at that time, but a knife was found in the doorway of the pub and two others were found nearby. They were sent for forensic tests to establish if any were involved.

The court also heard Johnson’s behaviour was erratic in the cells at the police station.

Mr Jackson said: “He was pacing around the room and spitting, shouting ‘Dale Cregan, Raoul Moat, them women coppers got what they deserved, I’d like to take a copper down.’”

Johnson, of Moorside Road, Dewsbury Moor, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and having an offensive weapon.

Emma Covington, mitigating, said Johnson accepted he should not have been at the pub since he was barred and was showing off.

He admitted he had taken drink and drugs, but disputed that he was asked to leave.

Johnson claimed he had just been taken hold of “and unfortunately the red mist descended”.

The court heard he was keen to address his problems with drink and drugs while in prison.

Judge Paula Tyler said: “In my view it was very fortunate he did not sustain any more serious injuries.

“The consequences could have been serious indeed.”