Thug stabbed man after earlier attack

A thug will be marking his 26th birthday by beginning a five-year stretch behind bars.

- By JADE MCELWEE

Ryan Lawton headbutted then stabbed a member of staff after being asked for ID at a Redcar bar.

Then two days later, he “pinned up” a male by his throat in another Redcar bar before threatening to “stab” him and fleeing with his gold chain.

The 25-year-old appeared at Teesside Crown Court, via video link from HMP Holme House yesterday for sentencing after admitting a string of seven offences.

Anthony Pettengell, prosecuting, told how on November 1, last year, Lawton approached Peggy Junes bar on Queen Street, Redcar, at around 10.45pm. When he was asked for ID before entering the venue, he headbutted the member of staff.

The Middlesbrough court heard how Lawton then made “several more attempts” to assault the man.

However, when he had locked up the bar, the member of staff went to the Blue Lounge to meet some friends.

At around 11.30pm, a member of door staff heard “shouting” at J&P Taxis.

Three men, including Lawton, “confronted” the man who he had headbutted earlier in the evening.