Newport thug jailed for hammer attack in packed pub garden

A Newport man has been jailed after terrifying families enjoying drinks in the sunshine when he arrived at a pub beer garden wielding a hammer.

David Miller, 46, stormed into the Three Horseshoes pub in the Malpas area on a summer’s evening, brandishing the weapon before hurling pint glasses and ashtrays around the crowded outdoor space.

Frightened customers – including families with children – either fled the scene or rushed to disarm the enraged man during the chaotic incident on Sunday, July 6 last year.

CCTV footage played at court captured the terrifying scenes as people who had been peacefully enjoying drinks in the sunshine were caught up in the violence.

The court heard Miller had been drinking at home when he became enraged following a telephone argument with a friend of a friend. He walked to the pub to confront the man, concealing the hammer in his jacket.

After brandishing the weapon in the beer garden, he fought with the man and came off second best before leaving after falling over. The entire incident lasted four minutes.

When police arrested him shortly afterwards, he was drunk and bleeding from injuries sustained in the punch-up.

Miller, of Ribble Walk, Bettws, Newport, pleaded guilty to threatening members of the public with an offensive weapon, assault by beating, and a public order offence.

The court heard the defendant has a “significant” criminal record for violence and disorder, and suffers with anxiety and depression, having struggled with alcohol and drug problems in the past.

Clare Wilks, defending, told the court: “He took the hammer because he was concerned for his safety. This was a decision that was influenced by alcohol, which is an aggravating feature but does explain it. The defendant accepts responsibility and the consequences of his actions.”

Recorder Claire Pickthall told Miller: “CCTV captures this incident – you are seen arriving in the car park with a hammer concealed in your jacket. You then brandish the hammer in the beer garden and people are seen trying to calm you down and disarm you. When you were arrested you were drunk and bleeding as a result of this appalling incident.”

She added: “It was committed under the influence of alcohol and in the presence of children. It was a sustained incident in which a hammer was produced and missiles thrown.”

Miller was jailed for 10 months.