Cockfield pub set to reopen after licence suspended

By Joshua Nichol

A Cockfield pub is set to reopen with a new landlord and new safety conditions after a man was seriously injured in a glass attack there.

The King’s Head had its licence suspended by Durham County Council on August 1 after an incident which police described as a “sustained, violent and entirely unprovoked” assault leaving a man with life changing injuries.

The licensing sub-committee this week agreed to lift the suspension but with conditions, including being under new management.

The King’s Head will also have to install CCTV cameras, introduce an incidents register and drugs policy, as well as ensuring all staff are fully trained in the new systems.

Measures will also have to be taken to lower noise levels at night.

It is understood that licensing officers and the police will be invited to inspect the changes before the official reopening, which could happen as soon as September 14.

Jason French, director of operations for FB Taverns, said: “Staffing will be done by 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 and we expect the tenant to uphold that.

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

Sgt Gavin Rutter of Durham Police said: “We are satisfied there has been a significant improvement to safeguards at the pub.”

He confirmed a new tenant would have no connections to previous management.

A previous hearing at County Hall was told the victim of the attack was repeatedly pushed before being struck several times to the head and face with a drinking glass.

He suffered a broken nose, and fractured jaw.

Durham Police previously said a suspect has been identified and attempts would be made to arrest them.

The investigation is ongoing.