Man's ear bitten clean off by tree surgeon during Cumbria pub violence
Paul Connor, 33, was one of three people who appeared in the dock at Carlisle Crown Court this morning (Friday).
They were charged following an incident which is said to have occurred at the Kellbank Hotel in the village of Gosforth, near Seascale, on Saturday, July 8, 2023.
Connor pleaded guilty to two offences. He admitted unlawfully and maliciously wounding Christopher Hewer with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.
Connor further admitted affray — using or threatening unlawful violence towards another which would cause a person of reasonable firmness, present at the scene, to fear for their personal safety.
Hewer, aged 44, of West View Road, Distington, near Workington — who had his ear completely bitten off by Connor — was also charged following the incident, along with Antonia Holliday, 35, of Hinnings Road, Distington.
Hewer and Holliday appeared in the crown court dock earlier in the day — separately to Connor — and both admitted a charge of affray.
Lawyers representing Hewer, Holliday and Connor all asked for the preparation of probation service pre-sentence reports before the punishments of their respective clients were handed down.
Judge Michael Fanning agreed. He set a provisional sentencing date in the week of June 20 this year, and all three defendants were granted bail in the meantime.
Judge Fanning told all three that they would receive appropriate discounts to their eventual sentences in recognition of their guilty pleas.
The Kellbank in Gosforth, where the violence flared (Image: Google StreetView)
He told Hewer and Holliday: 'This is a serious incident, however. You appreciate that. Every sentencing option is available to the court.'
Kim Whittlestone, mitigating for Connor, told the court he was a father-of-two who worked as a tree surgeon. 'He knows it is going to be a lengthy custodial sentence,' said Miss Whittlestone. The barrister successfully asked for Connor to be granted bail so he could put his affairs in order before the sentencing hearing.
Addressing Connor, of Fenton Close, Liverpool, Judge Fanning said. 'You know they are serious matters. You know the likely outcome.'
The judge added: 'Co-operate with probation. The contents of their report are bound to assist you, even if the (sentencing) outcome is the same.'
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