Jail for reveller who stabbed pub-goer in stomach

A reveller who stabbed a man outside a pub during a confrontation has been jailed for more than five years.

Joel Inman, 35, had drunk eight pints and was seen "squaring up" to the victim before they went outside of the Cavendish Hotel in Keighley at about 23:50 BST on 2 May, Bradford Crown Court heard earlier.

Once outside, Inman stabbed the man in the stomach with a pen-knife.

Inman, of Cavendish Street, Keighley, pleaded guilty to charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place and was jailed for five years and three months.

Prosecutor Victoria Barker recounted to the court how the two men had been arguing before heading outside.

She added that witnesses had tried to discourage the men from going outside to fight.

In mitigation, barrister Stephen Uttley explained that a difficult childhood and mental health issues had led to Inman's actions.

Uttley said the offence was the culmination of a number of events and told the court Inman had been carrying the knife for protection after having been assaulted himself previously.

Judge Ahmed Nadim deemed Inman to be a "dangerous offender".

He said: "Members of the public are entitled to use streets, town centres, public houses and leisure venues without the fear of serious violence."

Inman will also be subject to an extended licence period of two years upon release.

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