Knifeman in The Bull, Colchester, threatens to cut throats

An intoxicated John Warner entered The Bull, in Crouch Street, Colchester, but became aggressive when refused a drink by the pub’s manager.

The 33-year-old was then locked out after the manager pretended to follow him outside for an altercation at 6pm on May 24.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard the manager spotted Warner had returned later in the evening and took a pint from him, reminding him he was barred.

“Warner then stood near the entrance of the pub and said ‘I’m going to cut you and I’m going to cut all your throats’ before showing the manager a knife hidden under his jacket,” said Toby Roseman, prosecuting.

Mr Roseman added the production of the “large” kebab style blade sparked drinkers and the manager into action as they pushed the thug out of the boozer.

CCTV seen by the court then showed Warner discard of the knife behind an electricity box on Butt Road.

Warner, who was living at Colchester Night Shelter in Alexandra Road, admitted possession of a knife and breaching two suspended sentences and was jailed for two years yesterday.

But Evelyn Hicks, mitigating, argued the knife was in his possession because he was taking it to a friend’s house to be sharpened, but stated her client has no recollection of the incident.

Pub - The Bull (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Hicks added: “He had a bad headache and was given what he thought was paracetamol but it was, in fact, tramadol and mixed with his drink of whisky he became very drunk.

“It’s important to note he did not go back to get the knife, the knife was with him at all times.”

Recorder Paul Sharkey said, having looked at an image of the knife, he believed it was at least 12 inches in length.

“It must’ve been a terrifying prospect for the manager of the pub and its customers seeing a drunken man standing outside making threats to them,” said Mr Sharkey.