Ex-soldier banned from entering Rawtenstall pubs (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Ex-soldier banned from entering Rawtenstall pubs

4:00pm Friday 28th September 2012 in News By Chris Adams

AN ex-soldier has been banned from more than a dozen pubs after an abusive outburst at door staff.

Levi Sumner, 23, admitted trying to punch and headbutt a doorman at the Queen’s Arms Hotel in Rawtenstall.

He was already banned from the premises under the terms of Pubwatch scheme.

Burnley Magistrates’ Court heard how Sumner, of Burnley Road East in Waterfoot, became aggressive with staff as they tried to evict him from the Bacup Road bar.

The incident took place at around 2.30am on June 30 this year.

Sumner was given a suspended sentence, a 12-month community order and a year-long supervision order after he was convicted of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

The court also issued an exclusion order, meaning Sumner cannot enter 13 Rawtenstall pubs for the next 18 months.

Licensing Officer Sergeant Michelle Dixon said the punishment delivered a clear message to drinkers who misbehave.

She said: “We will not tolerate this type of behaviour and we will continue to work closely with licensees and door staff to keep our pubs and clubs safe for everyone.The message is clear; if you come to Rawtenstall for a night out and can’t handle your drink, you may find yourself banned from pubs for a considerable amount of time.”

The pubs Sumner cannot enter are: Ashworth Arms (Bacup Road and Burnley Road), Blue Bell, Boars Head, Craven Heifer, Crown, Madison Park Wine Bar, Old House at Home, Queen’s Arms Hotel, Red Lion, Rhythm Station, Riverside Inn and White Lion.

He faces further prosecution if he flouts the ban.

Sumner was spared jail last year after headbutting another man in the same pub in October 2010.