New future for pub after 'violent' glass attack

A village pub where a man suffered life-changing injuries in a "violent" glass attack could reopen next month under new management.

The King's Head in Cockfield had its licence suspended by Durham County Council on 1 August following the "sustained, violent and entirely unprovoked" assault.

The suspension was lifted by the council's licensing sub-committee on Monday, subject to new conditions.

These include the appointment of a new tenant, installation of CCTV, a new incidents' register and drugs policy, and additional staff training.

Noise levels will also have to be reduced and new signage installed.

Sgt Gavin Rutter, of Durham Police, said the force was "satisfied there has been a significant improvement to the safeguards at the pub" and confirmed the new tenant would have no links to the previous management.

The victim was repeatedly pushed before being hit several times in the head and face with a glass in front of his young son, a previous hearing was told.

He suffered a broken nose, jaw fractures, a ruptured tendon in his hand, and required reconstructive surgery.

Jason French, director of operations for FB Taverns, said staffing would be the responsibility of the new tenant.

"We are all victims of this situation and we took responsibility on our shoulders for what we should have had in place," he said.

"It is not to punish anyone, the circumstances have created this situation."

Police said a suspect had previously been identified and efforts were being made to arrest them.

Licensing officers and police are expected to inspect the changes before the pub reopens, potentially on 14 September.

French said the company hoped to "welcome people back to The King's Head as soon as possible".

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