Pub debts led to relationship breakdown

STRAIN: Mark Satchell and Dean Awford (17483303) STRAIN: Mark Satchell and Dean Awford (17483303)

THE relationship of two men who were business and social partners came under strain when their Worcester pub got into serious debt, a court was told.

Dean Awford and Mark Satchell, of the Pig and Drum, were being pressed for payment by the brewery and for gas, electricity and rates, said prosecutor Alex Warren.

In December last year, the pair went out drinking with friends and later returned to their pub. Mr Satchell went to bed but Awford stayed drinking downstairs with two friends.

At 2.30am Mr Satchell realised Awford had not come to bed and went down to the bar. Awford eventually went upstairs and after an argument, started throwing porcelain ornaments.

One of them shattered and caused four cuts to Mr Satchell’s head, which needed 19 stitches.

Awford, aged 45, of College Precinct, Worcester, pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court to assault causing actual bodily harm.

He was given an 18-month community order and will be supervised by the probation service for the same amount of time.

Iain Suggett, defending, said the violence was the culmination of a three-year relationship. The two men were living together at the premises but the business was in difficulty and had failed as a result of the proceedings.

Recorder Geraint Walters asked if the relationship was over. Mr Suggett said it was but the men had dealt with it in a mature manner and were still on amicable terms.

"Mr Satchell was working as a bar manager while Awford had a redecorating contract. Mr Satchell had been reluctant to press charges against his partner or to give evidence.

Recorder Walters said it was obvious that the pair had gone drinking to get solace from their difficulties. But it had resulted in Awford becoming volatile and reacting aggressively.

Throwing the china could be construed as using a weapon and it had been a reckless assault.

Comments(12)

rubalish says...
2:18pm Mon 3 Sep 12

WHY PUBLISH THIS WHO REALLY CARES AS IT IS THERE BUSINESS .
I DO NOT FEEL IT NEEDS PLASTERING ALL OVER THE WORCESTER NEWS !

DanMacc says...
2:32pm Mon 3 Sep 12

I CARE, RUBALISH, I CARE!

I want to know if the person serving my beer is the type of guy who likes to throw plates at people!

Maggie Would says...
2:35pm Mon 3 Sep 12

'WHO REALLY CARES'
That's an interesting point of view, rubalish. Are you suggesting that as it was an assault on someone's partner that took place behind closed doors, there should be no further action, that it was a private matter between them?
I'm glad those involved in bringing the perpetrator to justice thought otherwise as domestic violence like this really shouldn't be ignored as 'THERE (sic) BUSINESS'

CJH says...
2:47pm Mon 3 Sep 12

rubalish wrote:
WHY PUBLISH THIS WHO REALLY CARES AS IT IS THERE BUSINESS . I DO NOT FEEL IT NEEDS PLASTERING ALL OVER THE WORCESTER NEWS !
No need to shout - we're not hard of hearing...

MrStJohns says...
3:47pm Mon 3 Sep 12

DanMacc wrote:
I CARE, RUBALISH, I CARE! I want to know if the person serving my beer is the type of guy who likes to throw plates at people!
really?,

because im not really fussed so long as they can get the beer from the tap into the glass, some plate throwing in private is fine by me.

molecat says...
4:17pm Mon 3 Sep 12

What sort of chap collects porcelain ornaments in the first place?

leemo79 says...
5:18pm Mon 3 Sep 12

molecat wrote:
What sort of chap collects porcelain ornaments in the first place?
One that has exquisite tastes in the fine arts Molecat.

Both of these men are as close to me as fathers... and i think it is utterly tasteless of WN to print something that was so personal.
This news was not needed to be known by the whole of Worcester.. Their friends knew and the people that mattered knew.. Now the whole of Worcester too?? what purpose does it serve?!

Expatgirl says...
7:07pm Mon 3 Sep 12

I have to agree that Dean having a hissy fit is not news! :-)

VantagePoint says...
9:23pm Mon 3 Sep 12

It's a report of a court case. Anything said in court can be reported, it has absolute privilege. As a journalist, I'm pleased the Worcester News is continuing to cover court stories, far too many local newspapers now only cover crown court, and only then when it's a big story.

pronstar says...
11:59am Tue 4 Sep 12

Looks like they're best buds again now, judging from the photo.

MissMini says...
10:30pm Wed 5 Sep 12

That would be THEIR business Rubalish, not THERE business

Leeds united fan says...
12:25am Sat 8 Sep 12

Got enough money to drink but cant pay the bills ?????

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