Changes ordered after pub staff mop up crime scene

The pub was hosting a karaoke evening with older clientele at the time of the assault

Changes must be made if a pub where staff mopped up a crime scene is to remain open, a meeting heard.

GW Horners in Chester-le-Street risks losing its licence after a man was attacked there on 15 April.

A special meeting of Durham County Council's licensing sub-committee on Thursday heard staff did not call police and cleaned up the scene, destroying evidence.

The pub is now closed for refurbishment, but the licence holder has been ordered to boost staff training and CCTV coverage ahead of a full licence review, expected within 28 days.

The victim was left with facial fractures, a bleed on the brain and memory loss after being followed into the pub's toilets and attacked.

According to CCTV footage, the suspect then returned to his drink before leaving the Front Street venue, after chatting to other pub-goers.

Police not called

Staff called an ambulance after finding the victim unconscious, but did not phone police or administer first aid.

After the man was taken to hospital, the pub manager mopped the floor, destroying the crime scene.

According to papers submitted ahead of Thursday's meeting, staff said they assumed the man had fallen, or taken ill, and thought paramedics would alert the police - but the attack was only reported six days later, when the victim's sister contacted Durham Constabulary.

The area manager of pub chain Amber Taverns was asked to voluntarily close the pub to allow failings to be addressed, but refused to do so.

Durham Constabulary subsequently requested an immediate suspension of its licence, citing a "significant risk to public safety" and criticising its response to the assault.

Voluntary closure

Thursday's meeting heard the premises had been voluntarily closed for refurbishments, which were expected to include the installation of new CCTV.

A spokesman for Durham County Council said committee members decided to modify the premises licence ahead of a full review, which must take place within 28 days.

The licence was not suspended but conditions were added relating to CCTV and staff training, including the requirement for all staff to undergo first aid training.

Mitigating statements from pub owners were not aired publicly, with press and public excluded from much of the hearing due to concerns that their presence could jeopardise the on-going criminal investigation.