Pub yobs’ appeal thrown out

Kenneth Hargreaves, 44, and his brother, Steven, 41, punched, kicked and stamped on the landlord after he asked them to leave the Royal Oak, in Lord Street, Fleetwood.

The landlord was left with temporarily blurred vision and other “nasty and unpleasant physical injuries”, Mrs Justice Cox told London’s Appeal Court.

But the worst after-effects were the devastating psychological problems he has suffered – including flashbacks and trauma.

He had to give up his job and may never return to work behind a bar, the court heard.

Kenneth Hargreaves, of Chaucer Road, and Steven Hargreaves, of Milton Street, both Fleetwood, were each convicted of wounding with intent at Preston Crown Court in October.

They were handed identical eight-year jail terms.

The siblings challenged their sentences, complaining that they were far too harsh.

Mrs Justice Cox, sitting with Lord Justice Jackson and Judge David Radford QC, noted character references and testimonials put forward by the brothers, as well as their good work records.

However, she said they were guilty of a “quite appalling” assault on a publican who deserved the protection of the courts.

“This was a sudden and vicious assault by two men in drink on a defenceless man who, as a landlord, had simply asked them to leave.

“There were repeated blows and kicks to his head by feet shod with boots.

“He was extremely fortunate not to suffer more serious injuries,” the judge added.

Neither brother had shown any remorse during their trial.

Dismissing the appeals, the judge concluded: “Eight years was severe, but it cannot be said to be manifestly excessive”.